Election Day Freebies How Businesses Reward Voters With Food Drinks And Discounts

Election Day has become synonymous with more than just casting ballots—it's also a time when numerous businesses offer freebies and discounts to encourage civic participation. This tradition of rewarding voters with complimentary items and special deals has become a quadrennial phenomenon, with brands across various industries participating in what has effectively become a marketing and public relations opportunity. The range of offerings spans from food and beverages to retail items and transportation services, providing voters with tangible benefits for fulfilling their civic duty.

The Tradition of Election Day Freebies

The practice of offering Election Day promotions has become widespread in the United States, with numerous businesses participating regardless of the specific election cycle. While these offers are typically framed as celebrations of civic engagement, they also serve as effective marketing strategies that generate positive brand association and customer goodwill. The most common types of promotions include complimentary food items, discounts on purchases, and special deals for those who have voted.

According to legal experts, these promotions technically operate in a gray area. As noted in one source, "in an election where a federal candidate is on the ballot, you cannot give anyone any reward—anything of value—for turning out to vote." Despite this legal technicality, companies rarely face penalties for participating in these promotions, which is why they continue to appear every election cycle. Some businesses have adapted their offers to avoid potential legal issues by making them available to all customers, regardless of whether they voted.

Food and Drink Freebies

Food and beverage promotions constitute the majority of Election Day freebies. These offers range from complimentary items to discounted menu specials, with many establishments capitalizing on the opportunity to attract customers during what might otherwise be a slow business day.

Donut and Coffee Chains

Donut and coffee chains are among the most consistent participants in Election Day promotions, with several major brands offering free or discounted items.

Krispy Kreme has established itself as a leader in Election Day freebies, consistently offering complimentary Original Glazed Doughnuts to customers. According to the sources, the chain provides "one per person, no purchase necessary" and also distributes "I Voted" stickers while supplies last. Notably, Krispy Kreme has modified its approach over time, with one source indicating that the company changed its offer to not require an "I Voted" sticker, making the free donut available to all customers regardless of voting status.

Dunkin', while not mentioned in all sources, has participated in similar promotions. One source notes that Dunkin' offers "Free Coffee Wednesday for reward members" following Election Day. Additionally, another source indicates that Dunkin' typically participates in National Doughnut Day by offering "a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage."

McDonald's has joined the Election Day promotion landscape by offering complimentary pastries with coffee purchases. Specifically, when customers "order a hot or iced coffee through the McDonald's app," they receive "a free pastry" from a selection including apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, and blueberry muffins. This promotion runs from Election Day through November 9.

Wawa, a convenience store chain, offers "Free Coffee Tuesdays" that begins on Election Day and continues through the end of December for Wawa Rewards members. New members must register by 8 p.m. on Election Day to take advantage of this offer.

Restaurant Chains

Beyond coffee and donut shops, numerous restaurant chains participate in Election Day promotions with a variety of offers.

Subway benefits from the timing of Election Day coinciding with National Sandwich Day, allowing the chain to offer savings on sub sandwiches. While specific details about Subway's Election Day promotion aren't detailed in the sources, the timing creates a natural promotion opportunity.

Fazoli's offers a $2 discount on any signature bake menu item, including options like Baked Chicken Parmigiano, Loaded Baked Spaghetti, and Spicy Baked Ziti. This promotion provides customers who have worked up an appetite during Election Day activities with an affordable dining option.

Boston Market addresses those who stay up late to track election results by offering "a free slider after 9 p.m." This promotion acknowledges that many voters may be monitoring results well into the evening.

Chili's has offered special pricing on its Presidente Margarita at $5 along with "a free commemorative sticker while supplies last." This combination provides both a beverage and a keepsake for customers.

Wendy's has made its freebie straightforward: "a free Classic Chicken Sandwich with any purchase" through November 8, available either in-person or through the Wendy's app.

Johnny Rockets offers "free shakes with any in-store purchase," though this promotion requires guests to "mention 'Free Shake' offer at the register" and is not valid on Craig's Vegan Shakes.

Yogurtland provides a 15% discount to customers who show their "I Voted" sticker, encouraging customers to enjoy frozen yogurt while celebrating their civic participation. With more than 200 locations across the country, this promotion offers widespread availability.

Dave & Buster's seems to recognize the stress of Election Day by offering entertainment options, though specific details about their promotion aren't fully detailed in the sources beyond mentioning "an exciting game of air hockey to ease any Election Day stress."

Fast Food and Delivery Services

Fast food chains and delivery services have also developed Election Day promotions, often combining discounts with convenience.

White Castle offers special pricing through delivery services, with "$4 off orders of $20 or more – or $5 off orders of $30 or more in New Jersey and New York" when ordering through Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates. The chain also closes locations from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to allow employees time to vote.

Jimmy John's offers a 50% discount on sandwiches with the code "SAVEON2" when ordering online or through the app for "any 8" or 16" sandwich."

Jersey Mike's Subs is mentioned as offering discounts, though specific details aren't provided in the sources.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond food and beverage offerings, various retail and service businesses participate in Election Day promotions, providing additional incentives for voters.

IKEA has offered "free frozen yogurt" to customers on Election Day, combining a sweet treat with the shopping experience.

Planet Fitness recognizes the stress of Election Day by offering "a free workout and massage" for a period extending from Election Day through November 8. This promotion acknowledges the physical and mental benefits of exercise during potentially stressful times.

Foot Locker has distributed "a red, white and blue limited-edition pin" to customers who show their "I Voted" sticker, providing a patriotic keepsake.

Great American Cookies offers "a free cookie" to customers with an "I Voted" sticker, combining a sweet treat with recognition of civic participation.

Chuck E. Cheese, while not detailed in the sources, is mentioned as a business that requires customers to "simply say you voted" to receive their promotion, avoiding the legal implications of requiring proof of voting.

Transportation Deals

Recognizing the challenge of getting to polling places, several transportation companies offer discounts on Election Day to facilitate voting.

Uber has provided "up to 50% off rides (up to $7 per ride, $14 round trip) both to and from your polling location." Additionally, the company has offered discounted rides to the polls in previous elections.

Lyft has offered "50% off one ride to a polling place or ballot dropbox (up to $10) on Election Day." The company has also provided this discount in previous election cycles.

DoorDash offers "free delivery on all orders with a $15 minimum on Election Day with promo code VOTE." For DashPass subscribers, the service provides "10% off orders with code DPVOTE."

Grubhub offers "discounts and promotions between restaurants," with specific chains like Burger King and Jersey Mike's participating with "discounts and freebies for qualifying purchases."

Evolution of Election Day Promotions

Election Day promotions have evolved over time, with businesses adapting their approaches based on various factors, including changing legal considerations and voting patterns.

One significant change has been the reduced emphasis on "I Voted" stickers as proof of participation. With the increase in mail-in ballots and early voting, fewer people have the physical stickers to show as proof. As one source notes, "most businesses don't require a sticker to get the deal."

Some businesses have shifted from requiring proof of voting to making offers available to all customers, regardless of voting status. Krispy Kreme, for example, changed its offer to not require the sticker, making the free donut available to all customers. This adaptation likely helps the company avoid potential legal issues while still participating in the Election Day promotion tradition.

Another trend has been the expansion of promotion periods beyond just Election Day itself. Some offers, like McDonald's free pastry with coffee purchase, extend for several days after Election Day, allowing customers more flexibility in taking advantage of the deals.

Tips for Maximizing Election Day Freebies

For consumers looking to take advantage of Election Day promotions, several strategies can help maximize the benefits:

1. Check participation specifics: Not all locations within a chain may participate in promotions, so calling ahead to confirm is advisable.

2. Understand requirements: Some promotions require an "I Voted" sticker, while others are available to all customers. Knowing the requirements in advance helps ensure eligibility.

3. Take advantage of timing: Some promotions, like Boston Market's free slider, are available only after specific times, so planning accordingly can help secure the offer.

4. Use appropriate codes: For app-based or online orders, using the correct promotional codes is essential to receive discounts.

5. Combine offers: In some cases, multiple promotions might be combinable, though this varies by business and location.

6. Consider transportation options: Discounted rides to polling places can both save money and make voting more convenient.

7. Check for extended periods: Some offers extend beyond Election Day itself, providing additional opportunities to benefit.

Conclusion

Election Day freebies have become a consistent tradition in the United States, with businesses across various industries offering promotions to encourage civic participation. From complimentary food items to discounts on purchases and transportation services, these offers provide tangible benefits for voters while generating positive brand association for participating businesses.

While these promotions technically operate in a legal gray area, companies have adapted their approaches to minimize potential issues, often making offers available to all customers regardless of voting status. The range of offerings continues to expand, with new businesses joining the tradition each election cycle.

For consumers, Election Day promotions provide an opportunity to enjoy complimentary items and discounts while fulfilling their civic duty. By understanding the requirements and planning ahead, voters can maximize these benefits and make their Election Day experience even more rewarding.

Sources

1. USA Today - Post-Election Day free food: Get free coffee Wednesday at Dunkin' plus deals at McDonald's, Subway, Wendy's and more
2. Delish - Election Day freebies and deals
3. Forbes - 13 Election Day Freebies and Discounts, Including Donuts, Margaritas and Free Coffee
4. News3LV - Delicious freebies on National Doughnut Day
5. Boston.com - An 'I Voted' sticker can get you free stuff, but it shouldn't
6. AARP - Election Day Freebies and Deals 2024