South Carolinas Election Day Rewards From I Voted Stickers To Free Donuts

The "I Voted" sticker has long been a proud symbol of civic participation across the United States, and in South Carolina, it was traditionally provided free of charge through the nonprofit Palmetto Project. However, a change in state law has disrupted this long-standing tradition, affecting how these stickers are distributed and potentially limiting their availability. Meanwhile, businesses across the country, including several with South Carolina locations, continue to offer Election Day freebies and discounts to voters, creating additional incentives for civic engagement. This article examines the changing landscape of "I Voted" sticker distribution in South Carolina and the various freebies available to voters on Election Day.

South Carolina's "I Voted" Sticker Tradition Undergoes Changes

For over three decades, the Palmetto Project, a nonprofit organization, distributed "I Voted" stickers to every voter in South Carolina as a way of celebrating the right to vote. This tradition became a familiar sight at polling places across the state, with voters proudly displaying the stickers after casting their ballots. However, this practice was significantly impacted when Act 150 went into effect, a state law that prohibits counties and state election commissions from accepting any donation that isn't paid for by taxpayer dollars.

Act 150 states that "the State Election Commission and the county boards of voter registration and elections may not receive, accept, or expend gifts, donations, or funding from private individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, or any third party not provided through ordinary state or county appropriations." This legislation effectively ended the Palmetto Project's ability to provide the stickers for free.

In response to the new law, the Palmetto Project emptied its warehouse of "I Voted" stickers three weeks before the law took effect and distributed them evenly to all 46 counties. According to Steve Skardon, President and CEO of the Palmetto Project, "Our understanding is that the counties can continue to distribute our 'I Voted' stickers provided they pay for them."

The State Election Commission has since taken responsibility for funding the stickers. In the fall of 2023, the state agency paid $23,255.26 for stickers, with another shipment costing $16,264. Commission spokesman John Michael Catalono stated, "Moving forward, the State Election Commission will print and provide our own stickers to the county offices," adding that counties also have the option to buy their own stickers from third-party vendors.

The cost implications of this change have been significant for county election offices. Greenville County Elections Director Conway Belangia noted he was leaning toward paying $400 for 83,000 stickers from the Palmetto Project, stating, "I can't buy 'em that cheap, I promise you that." Similarly, smaller counties like Marion have faced challenges, with Director Teresa Moody expressing reluctance to destroy the stickers and planning to return them.

Skardon expressed disappointment about the change, noting that the Palmetto Project had assumed the cost and shipping expenses for years. "It's just a weird, weird thing," Skardon said. "For years, we have assumed the cost, the shipping and all of that. But now the taxpayers are paying for it, which isn't what we wanted at all."

Despite the challenges, election officials have worked to ensure that voters will still have access to "I Voted" stickers. As long as the state election commission provides sufficient quantities, counties won't need to seek alternative sources. The stickers remain an important symbol of civic participation, with Skardon reflecting on their unifying significance: "As divisive as our politics can be, it was always reassuring that all of us on election day would come together to do our civic duty as one state and one people regardless of political affiliation or interpretation of the issues."

Election Day Freebies and Discounts Available to South Carolina Voters

While the distribution of "I Voted" stickers has changed in South Carolina, businesses across the state continue to offer special deals and freebies to voters on Election Day. These promotions provide additional incentives for civic participation while rewarding voters with various products and services.

Several national and regional chains with South Carolina locations have participated in these Election Day promotions:

Food and Beverage Deals

Krispy Kreme has been a consistent participant in Election Day promotions, offering free doughnuts to voters. At participating stores, voters can receive a free original glazed doughnut simply by showing their "I Voted" sticker. Notably, Krispy Kreme does not require recipients to prove they actually cast their ballots to receive their freebie, making the promotion accessible to all who wish to participate.

Firehouse Subs offers a free medium-sized drink to customers who present an "I Voted" sticker, providing a refreshing reward for voters after they've cast their ballots.

Chuck E. Cheese's provides free personal pepperoni pizzas with the purchase of any other pizza. Voters can mention that they voted or use coupon code #5253 to redeem this offer.

Noodles and Company has offered a unique promotion that doesn't require an "I Voted" sticker. Instead, voters can participate by voting for their favorite mac and cheese on the company's website, after which they receive a "Buy One, Get One" coupon.

Schlotzsky's has offered "Buy One, Get One Free" coupons for mac and cheese with the promotional code 4207.

Johnny Rockets, another restaurant chain, provides free milkshakes with any in-store purchase to diners who mention the "free shake" offer.

Lazy Dog restaurants, which have locations in eight states including South Carolina, offer a free non-alcoholic drink with an entree purchase to customers displaying an "I Voted" sticker.

Ikea's bistros provide free frozen yogurt to shoppers on Election Day to "celebrate and support voting rights." While recipients don't need to prove they cast their ballot, they must present a printed or electronic version of a specific coupon.

Bob Evans offers 30% off entire dine-in or carryout orders with a coupon available on their website.

Transportation and Family Services

Uber provides special Election Day promotions, including $20 off for first-time riders using the code "VOTE TODAY." The ride-sharing company also assists users in finding their polling places through their app.

The YMCA offers free childcare services for parents who need to cast their ballots, allowing them to drop their children off at participating locations at no charge.

Scooter and Bike Services

Lime scooters provide free scooter or bike rides to the polls through Tuesday by allowing users to enter the code VOTE2024 at checkout.

Availability of These Promotions in Greenville, SC

While the provided source data doesn't specify which of these promotions are available specifically in Greenville, SC, it's reasonable to assume that national chains with locations in Greenville would participate in these Election Day offers. Greenville residents should