Election Day Freebies And Discounts For Voters In Austin

Election season in Austin provides opportunities for residents to receive complimentary items and discounts from local businesses by presenting an "I Voted" sticker. These offers are available during the early voting period and on Election Day, which falls on November 5 for the current cycle. Early voting typically runs from October 21 through November 1. While many establishments require the physical sticker as proof of participation, some accept other forms of verification or offer deals to all customers to comply with election laws. The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available to voters in the Austin area based on current local reporting.

Food and Beverage Establishments

Numerous restaurants, cafes, and breweries in Austin participate in voter incentive programs. Offers range from free single items to percentage-based discounts on purchases.

Pizza and Casual Dining

• Home Slice Pizza: Located at 1415 S Congress Ave and 501 E 53rd St, Home Slice offers a free slice of pizza to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker. This promotion is valid from October 21 through November 5.
• Baldinucci Pizza Romana: This pizzeria provides either a free slice of New York-style cheese pizza or six garlic knots to voters who present proof of voting through Election Day.
• Homeslice Pizza: Another source confirms that Homeslice offers a free slice of pizza when a sticker is presented between October 21 and November 5.

Bakeries and Coffee Shops

• Kerbey Lane Cafe: Kerbey Lane offers a free pancake at all locations on Election Day, November 5, for customers presenting an "I Voted" sticker. Voters who participated in early voting are encouraged to keep their stickers to use on this day.
• Bakery Lorraine: Customers can receive a free house coffee at Bakery Lorraine by showing their voting sticker.
• Barrett’s Coffee and Double Trouble: Both locations offer free drip coffee or cold brew with a voting sticker. This offer is valid through Election Day, with a limit of one coffee per voter.
• Rosen’s Bagel Co.: On Election Day, Rosen’s Bagel Co. offers free bagels with dairy-free cream cheese (Violife brand) to the first 100 customers. Flavors available include Texas pecan pie and roasted lime-poblano peppers-scallions.
• Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop: Customers receive $2 off meals at this Austin establishment when they bring their "I Voted" stickers.

Ice Cream and Desserts

• Amy’s Ice Creams: Amy’s Ice Creams offers a free topping or "crush’n" treat to customers who show their voting sticker at any location. This offer is valid through November 5.
• Lick Honest Ice Creams: All locations of this Austin-based mini-chain offer a free topping with an ice cream purchase to customers wearing a voting sticker. Current toppings include chocolate sauce, various caramel sauces, toasted Texas pecans, rainbow sprinkles, and chocolate cookie crumble.
• Mochinut: The mochi doughnut bakery, located at Hana World Market (1700 West Parmer Lane, Unit 100), offers a free doughnut to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker. This offer is valid through Election Day.
• Kessho: This chocolate and gelato truck offers a free scoop of vanilla, mango, or ube gelato to people with voting stickers from both of its locations (601 West Live Oak Street and 7800 South First Street).

Breweries and Bars

• Austin Beerworks: Both brewery locations (3001 Industrial Terrace and 10300 Springdale Road) offer a free pint of beer to voters ages 21 and older on Election Day.
• St. Elmo Brewing: Both locations offer $1 off coffee, beer, or Hop Water upon presentation of a voting sticker.
• Central Machine Works: This East Austin beer and pizza spot offers one free beer through Election Day to voters with a sticker.
• Oddwood Ales: The brewpub at 3108 Manor Road offers a free beer to early voters with stickers through Friday, November 1.
• Banger’s: The Rainey Street beer garden offers half-off any appetizer on Election Day with a sticker.
• Flo’s Wine Bar: Flo’s Wine Bar and Bottle Shop offers 20.24% off a glass of wine for patrons wearing an "I Voted" sticker through Election Day.
• Meanwhile Brewing: This brewery offers 15 percent off tabs through Election Day with proof of a sticker.

Soup and Light Meals

• Soup Peddler: All locations offer a free cup of soup to people with stickers through Election Day. Note: One source indicates this deal was paused as of November 2.
• The Fika Table: Located at 14735 Bratton Lane #210, this establishment offers a $1 discount on any bun through Election Day, limited to one bun per visit.

Retail and Service Offers

While most offers focus on food and beverage, some retail and service businesses also participate.

• Crux Climbing: Voters who show their "I Voted" sticker can receive $5 off any purchase at this climbing gym, excluding food and beverages.

Important Considerations for Voters

Legal Compliance

It is noted in local reporting that offering free food specifically for voting can be technically illegal. To comply with election laws, many businesses structure these promotions to be available to everyone, regardless of whether they possess a voting sticker. However, the marketing and intent remain targeted at voters.

Availability and Restrictions

• Proof of Voting: The vast majority of offers require the physical "I Voted" sticker. Voters are advised to keep their stickers in a safe place if they vote early.
• Age Restrictions: Alcohol-related offers, such as free beer, are strictly limited to individuals aged 21 and older who present valid identification.
• Limits: Some offers are limited to one per customer or visit (e.g., Barrett’s Coffee, The Fika Table). Rosen’s Bagel Co. limits their free bagel offer to the first 100 customers on Election Day.
• Location Specificity: While many chains offer deals at all locations, some specific offers are tied to particular addresses (e.g., Kessho truck locations, specific Home Slice addresses).

Verification Methods

Most businesses rely on the physical sticker. However, some offers are described as requiring "proof of voting," which may be interpreted differently by individual establishments. For example, Oddwood Ales specifically mentions early voters can use their stickers through November 1, implying the sticker is the primary proof.

Conclusion

Austin residents have a variety of opportunities to receive free food and discounts during the election season. By presenting an "I Voted" sticker, voters can access offers ranging from free pancakes and pizza slices to coffee and beer. These promotions are generally available during the early voting period and on Election Day, November 5. Voters should retain their stickers and be aware of specific location requirements and age restrictions associated with certain offers.

Sources

1. Austin With Kids
2. Tribeza
3. Eater Austin
4. Statesman
5. Fox 7 Austin