Election Day Freebies And Deals A Guide To Voting Perks And Promotions In 2024

As Election Day approaches, numerous brands and retailers across the United States prepare to offer special promotions to acknowledge citizens who participate in the democratic process. These offers typically range from free food items to discounts on services, often requiring proof of voting such as an "I Voted" sticker. The following guide details the verified freebies and deals available for the 2024 election cycle, based strictly on information provided in the source documentation.

Food and Beverage Offers

The food and beverage sector offers the most extensive list of Election Day promotions. These offers generally require specific actions, such as presenting an "I Voted" sticker, making an in-store purchase, or using a brand's mobile application.

Donuts and Coffee

Krispy Kreme is offering a free Original Glazed doughnut at participating shops across the United States on November 5. This promotion does not require a purchase. The brand will also distribute "I Voted" stickers at participating locations while supplies last. Customers are advised to call ahead to ensure their local shop is honoring the promotion.

Dunkin' offers a free medium coffee to customers who present an "I Voted" sticker. This offer is designed to jumpstart Election Day for voters.

Starbucks is participating with a specific incentive for new members of their rewards program. New members receive a $5 gift card to use toward Election Day coffee purchases.

Wendy's offers free coffee with any breakfast purchase made through the Wendy's app.

Fast Food and Quick Service

Taco Bell provides a free taco with any purchase. Chipotle offers a $4 burrito through their app. California Pizza Kitchen features a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) pizza deal. Blaze Pizza allows for a free upgrade to a large pizza when ordering in-store. Round Table Pizza offers $6 off a large or extra-large pizza for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery at participating locations.

Casual Dining and Restaurants

Johnny Rockets offers a free milkshake with an in-store purchase to anyone who can prove they voted, typically by showing an "I Voted" sticker. It is noted that this excludes Craig's Vegan Shakes. Shake Shack offers free fries with any purchase when an "I Voted" sticker is shown. Insomnia Cookies offers a free cookie with an "I Voted" sticker. Boston Market offers buy-one-get-one-free on individual meals. Buffalo Wild Wings offers free wings with any $10 purchase on Election Day. Jersey Mike's offers app users $2 off any sub. Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers $3 off any sandwich with an "I Voted" sticker. Red Lobster offers $10 off any $40 order. MOD Pizza offers buy-one-get-one-free pizzas. Smoothie King offers $1 off any smoothie for app users.

Frozen Treats

Yogurtland is serving something sweet on Election Day, though specific details on the item are not fully elaborated in the source material. Ikea is offering free frozen yogurt on Election Day.

Non-Food Retail and Services

While food and beverage offers dominate the landscape, other sectors also provide incentives for voters.

Fitness and Health

Planet Fitness offers free gym access on Election Day. This promotion is intended to help individuals stay active while they wait for election results or take a break from the polls.

General Retail

Potbelly Sandwich Discount: Show your “I Voted” sticker to save $3 off any sandwich. This offer falls under the retail category for prepared foods.

Legal and Eligibility Considerations

It is important to note the legal framework surrounding these promotions. According to the source material, it is illegal to reward or pay someone specifically to vote. However, the promotions and discounts listed above are classified as general marketing promotions or discounts available to the public, which generally does not violate laws regarding vote buying. The offers are framed as perks for those engaging in the civic duty of voting, rather than direct payment for a vote.

Eligibility for these offers varies. Many require the customer to possess and present a physical "I Voted" sticker. Others require downloading and using a specific brand application (e.g., Auntie Anne’s, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, Smoothie King, Wendy's). Some offers, such as the Krispy Kreme doughnut, are available to all guests without purchase or proof of voting, though the brand encourages the use of their provided stickers. Participation is limited to participating locations, and supplies may be limited (while supplies last).

How to Redeem Offers

To redeem these offers, consumers should generally follow these steps: 1. Vote: Cast a ballot at a designated polling place or utilize early voting options if available in their jurisdiction. 2. Acquire Proof: Obtain an "I Voted" sticker if voting in person. For early voters, Krispy Kreme specifically notes that they hand out stickers at participating shops, allowing early voters to participate in that specific offer. 3. Visit Participating Locations: Go to a participating brand location. 4. Present Proof or Use App: Show the "I Voted" sticker to the cashier or present the offer within the brand's app as required. 5. Fulfill Requirements: Complete any necessary purchase requirements (e.g., buying a sandwich to get a discount, or ordering through the app to receive a pretzel).

Conclusion

Election Day 2024 offers a variety of freebies and deals across the United States, primarily concentrated in the food and beverage industry. Brands such as Krispy Kreme, Dunkin', Johnny Rockets, and Chipotle are offering incentives ranging from free doughnuts and coffee to discounted meals. These promotions are designed to celebrate civic participation and are available at participating locations, often requiring an "I Voted" sticker or app usage. Consumers are encouraged to verify participation with local stores and review specific terms, such as purchase requirements or exclusions on specific menu items.

Sources

1. MoneyLion
2. KSAT
3. AL.com
4. AARP