Election Day Freebies And Discounts For Voters In The United States

Election Day in the United States is not only an opportunity to exercise civic responsibility but also a chance to enjoy a variety of freebies and discounts from businesses across the country. On November 5, 2024, numerous restaurants, bars, transportation services, and retail stores are offering special promotions to voters who can present their “I Voted” sticker. These offers range from free food items and beverages to discounted transportation and even special events like watch parties and entertainment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the available Election Day offers, focusing on food, beverage, and transportation discounts, as well as entertainment and retail promotions.

Food and Beverage Offers

Several food establishments are offering free or discounted items to voters who show their “I Voted” sticker. These promotions are particularly common in restaurants and fast food chains, where businesses are incentivizing voters by providing popular menu items at no cost or reduced prices. One of the most notable offers is from Krispy Kreme, which is providing free Original Glazed doughnuts to voters who present their sticker. This offer is limited to one per customer and is available at participating locations nationwide. In New York City, Krispy Kreme is also offering star-shaped doughnuts as part of their Election Day tradition.

In addition to doughnuts, several restaurants are providing discounts on meals and beverages. For example, BD’s Mongolian Grill, Flat Top Grill, Hot Chicken Takeover, and Genghis Grill are offering a 20 percent discount on food and drinks for voters who show their “I Voted” sticker. Johnny Rockets is also participating in the promotion by offering a free shake with any in-store purchase. These offers are designed to encourage voters to celebrate their civic duty with a meal or snack, making the experience more enjoyable.

New York City businesses are also contributing to the Election Day spirit with unique offers. The East Harlem Bottling Co. is hosting a watch party and offering a free beer to voters who show their sticker. This event includes a menu featuring the Bottling Co. burger and other popular items. Similarly, Violife, a dairy-free cheese brand, is setting up pop-up breakfast trucks where voters can receive free Utopia bagels slathered in their dairy-free cream cheese. These promotions are especially popular in the morning, when many voters are heading to the polls.

Other New York-based businesses are offering a variety of Election Day freebies. Please Tell Me, a bar in Williamsburg, is giving voters a free shot and hosting an Election Night party with strong drinks, $11 martinis, and live music. Creamline, a fast-casual burger joint in Chelsea Market, is offering free milkshakes to voters who present their sticker. Voters can choose from a variety of flavors, including vanilla, strawberry, chocolate fudge, and cookies and cream.

In addition to individual restaurant promotions, some businesses are offering broader discounts. Uber Eats is providing a 25 percent discount on orders of $25 or more, with a maximum discount of $15. This offer is available starting at 6:00 p.m. on Election Night, making it an ideal option for voters who want to enjoy a meal while watching election results unfold. DashPass subscribers can also take advantage of an extra 10 percent off using the code DPVOTE.

Transportation Discounts

Getting to the polls is made more affordable through transportation company promotions. Uber and Lyft are offering discounted rides to voters who are heading to their polling places. Uber is providing a 50 percent discount on rides with the code Go Vote, while Lyft is offering a 50 percent discount with the code VOTE24. These promotions are capped at $10 per ride, making it a cost-effective option for voters who may not have easy access to a vehicle.

These transportation discounts are particularly helpful for voters who live in urban areas with limited parking or for those who prefer to avoid driving during busy Election Day traffic. The availability of these codes encourages more people to vote by reducing the financial burden of travel. It is important to note that these codes are only valid on Election Day and for rides to and from polling places.

Retail and Service Promotions

Beyond food and transportation, several retail and service providers are offering Election Day promotions. For example, Ikea is providing a free frozen yogurt to voters who visit their stores on November 5. This is a small but appreciated gesture that adds to the overall Election Day experience. Chuck E. Cheese is also participating in the promotions by offering a free 60-minute all-you-can-play game pass with the purchase of one. This is a great option for families looking to spend Election Day in a fun and engaging environment.

Fitness centers are also encouraging voters to participate in their Election Day promotions. Planet Fitness, for instance, is offering a free workout and HydroMassage through November 8 or a special virtual workout on Facebook on Election Day. This promotion is designed to help voters de-stress after casting their ballots and provides an opportunity for physical activity during a time of high tension and uncertainty.

Entertainment and Special Events

In addition to food and retail promotions, many businesses are hosting special events to celebrate Election Day. These events often include watch parties, live music, and other entertainment options that allow voters to come together and share the experience of participating in the democratic process. For example, Balcon Salon in Hell’s Kitchen is hosting a watch party with drag queens and free pizza, starting at 7 p.m. This event is open to anyone who presents their “I Voted” sticker and offers a fun and inclusive space for voters to celebrate.

Similarly, SPIN, an iconic ping pong social club, is offering free hours of play to voters who show their sticker. This is a unique and relaxing way to spend Election Day, providing a meditative activity that can help reduce stress. These types of events not only encourage voter turnout but also create a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.

Legal Considerations and Cultural Impact

While the practice of offering freebies and discounts to voters is widespread and culturally accepted, it is important to note that there are legal restrictions on providing incentives for voting. According to the New York Times and the federal government, businesses are not allowed to give voters incentives before or after voting. However, in practice, there are few documented cases of businesses facing legal consequences for these promotions. As a result, offering Election Day freebies has become an ingrained part of the cultural landscape, with many businesses viewing it as a way to encourage civic engagement and reward voters for their participation.

Despite these legal considerations, businesses continue to offer Election Day promotions, often framing them as a thank you for voting rather than an incentive. This distinction is important, as it helps businesses navigate the legal landscape while still providing meaningful rewards to voters. The cultural significance of these promotions cannot be understated, as they contribute to a sense of celebration and pride associated with the act of voting.

Conclusion

Election Day in the United States is not only an opportunity to exercise civic responsibility but also a chance to enjoy a variety of freebies and discounts from businesses across the country. From free doughnuts and discounted meals to transportation discounts and special events, these promotions are designed to encourage voter turnout and provide meaningful rewards for participation. While there are legal restrictions on providing incentives for voting, the cultural acceptance of these promotions has made them a common and appreciated part of the Election Day experience. Whether it’s enjoying a free meal, catching a discounted ride, or attending a special event, these offers make Election Day more accessible and enjoyable for voters.

Sources

1. Hola: Election Day Deals 2024 - I Voted Sticker Freebies
2. Timeout: Free Things You Can Get in NYC with Your I Voted Sticker
3. Fortune: Election Day 2024 Free Stuff
4. TV Gist: Election Day Freebies - How to Claim Special Offers with Your I Voted Sticker