Election Day Perks In Austin A Guide To Voter Incentives And Freebies

Election season in Austin, Texas, brings a unique set of promotions aimed at encouraging civic participation. With the 2024 general election, specifically the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, as well as state and local contests, local businesses have introduced various offers for voters. Early voting took place from October 21 through November 1, with Election Day on November 5. While Texas law technically prohibits offering free food or drinks specifically for voting, many establishments have structured their promotions to be legally compliant by extending offers to anyone who presents an "I Voted" sticker, or by making them available to all customers regardless of voting status.

These promotions range from free food and beverages to discounts on retail and recreational activities. The availability of these offers varies by business, with some valid only on Election Day, others during the early voting period, and some covering the entire duration. It is important for consumers to verify current details directly with the businesses, as offers can change.

Food and Beverage Promotions

A significant number of Austin restaurants, cafes, breweries, and bakeries are participating in election-themed promotions. These offers generally require the presentation of a valid "I Voted" sticker.

Pizza and Casual Dining

• Homeslice Pizza: Located at 1415 S Congress Ave and 501 E 53rd St, Homeslice is offering a free slice of pizza to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker. This promotion is valid from October 21 through November 5.
• Kerbey Lane Cafe: This diner mini-chain with multiple locations is offering a free pancake to customers with an "I Voted" sticker on Election Day, November 5. The business encourages those who voted early to keep their stickers for use on Election Day.
• The Fika Table: Located at 14735 Bratton Lane #210, The Fika Table offers a $1 discount on any bun with the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker through Election Day. The discount is limited to one bun per visit.

Bakeries and Coffee Shops

• Rosen’s Bagels: This bagel shop is offering free bagels with dairy-free Violife cream cheese to the first 100 customers. The available schmear flavors are Texas pecan pie and roasted lime-poblano peppers-scallions.
• Barrett’s Coffee and Double Trouble: Both locations offer free drip coffee or cold brew with an "I Voted" sticker, valid through Election Day. One coffee is permitted per voter.
• Bakery Lorraine: Customers can receive a free house coffee by showing their "I Voted" sticker.
• Paperboy: On Election Day, customers with a sticker can receive a free chocolate chip cookie.

Ice Cream and Dessert

• Amy’s Ice Cream: At any location, showing an "I Voted" sticker yields a free topping or "crush'n."
• Kessho: This chocolate and gelato truck, located at 601 West Live Oak Street and 7800 South First Street, offers a free scoop of vanilla, mango, or ube gelato to sticker holders.
• Lick Honest Ice Creams: This Austin-based mini-chain offers a free topping to customers with voting stickers at all locations.

Breweries and Bars

• Austin Beerworks: Both brewery locations will offer a free beer (pint) on Election Day to individuals aged 21 and older with a voting sticker.
• Oddwood Ales: The brewpub at 3108 Manor Road offers a free beer to early voters with stickers through Friday, November 1 (the end of early voting).
• St. Elmo Brewing Company: Voters at either location receive $1 off coffee, beer, or Hop Water. This promotion runs until November 1 and resumes on Election Day.
• Fast Friends Beer Co.: Located in South Austin, this brewery offers a free short pour with a voting sticker.
• Meanwhile Brewing: The brewery at 3901 Promontory Point Drive offers 15 percent off the total tab through Election Day with proof of a sticker.
• Flo’s Wine Bar: Located at 3111 W 35th St, Flo’s offers 20.24% off a glass of wine for patrons with a sticker, valid through Election Day.
• Progress Coffee + Beer Buda: Customers can get a free coffee or draft beer after voting by showing their sticker.

Other Food and Beverage

• Mochinut: The mochi doughnut bakery at Hana World Market (1700 West Parmer Lane, Unit 100, Scofield Farms) offers a free doughnut with proof of voting.
• Soup Peddler: Note: While earlier sources mentioned a free cup of soup for sticker holders, one source explicitly states this offer is "NO LONGER AVAILABLE." Consumers should verify directly with Soup Peddler locations.

Retail, Wellness, and Activity Promotions

Beyond food and drink, several Austin businesses are offering discounts on plants, fitness, and climbing activities.

Gardening and Plants

• East Austin Succulents and Tillery St. Plant Co.: Customers can exchange an "I Voted" sticker for a free 2-inch succulent and a 4-inch herb or vegetable starter.
• Tillery Street Plant Co.: According to another source, customers presenting a sticker through November 5 will receive a free 4-inch herb or vegetable starter, a 2-inch succulent, and a Tillery sticker.

Fitness and Recreation

• Rowing Dock: This facility offers 25 percent off to customers with a voting sticker, valid through Election Day.
• Austin Bouldering Project: Voters can get a day pass for $15 (rental shoes not included) by showing their sticker. This offer is valid through November 6.
• Crux Climbing: Located at 18817 N Heatherwilde Blvd, Crux Climbing offers $5 off any purchase (excluding food and beverages) for voters showing their sticker.

Legal Context and Compliance

It is important to note the legal framework surrounding these promotions. Texas law generally prohibits offering free items specifically as an inducement to vote. To comply, many businesses frame their offers as available to anyone who has a sticker, effectively making them available to the general public during the voting period. Some businesses, such as Austin Beerworks, explicitly state that the free beer is for people with voting stickers, while others may structure the offer differently. Consumers should be aware that while these promotions are widely advertised, they are subject to individual business policies and legal interpretations.

Conclusion

Austin businesses have mobilized to support the 2024 election by offering a variety of free and discounted goods and services to voters. The promotions span food, beverages, plants, and recreational activities, with most requiring the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker. The offers are generally valid during the early voting period (October 21–November 1) and/or on Election Day (November 5). Consumers are advised to confirm offer details and availability directly with the specific businesses, as some promotions may have changed or been discontinued.

Sources

1. Austin Eater
2. Austin with Kids
3. Tribeza
4. Statesman