Election Day Freebies And Deals How To Get Free Food And Discounts After Voting

Election Day in the United States has evolved beyond a civic duty to become an occasion for consumers to enjoy various freebies and discounts from participating businesses. On November 5, 2024, numerous restaurants, food establishments, and service providers offered special promotions to celebrate the democratic process. These offers ranged from free donuts and coffee to discounted rides and entertainment options. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Election Day freebies and deals available to voters across the country, detailing what was offered, how to access these promotions, and which businesses participated in celebrating voters' participation in the democratic process.

Food and Beverage Freebies and Deals

Many food and beverage establishments participated in Election Day promotions, offering free items or discounts to celebrate voters. These offers were available at various chains across the United States, with most requiring voters to show their "I Voted" sticker or use specific apps to access the deals.

Donuts and Pastries

Krispy Kreme was among the most popular destinations for Election Day freebies, offering a free Original Glazed donut to each customer at participating U.S. locations on November 5, 2024. The promotion did not require a purchase and was available while supplies lasted. Additionally, Krispy Kreme provided free "I Voted" stickers to customers, including those who had voted early. Multiple sources confirmed this promotion, with AARP noting that customers could find their nearest Krispy Kreme location and call ahead to ensure their local shop was honoring the promotion.

Johnny Rockets also participated in Election Day celebrations by offering a free shake with any in-store purchase. Customers needed to flash their "I Voted" sticker to receive the complimentary shake, though this offer did not include Craig's Vegan Shakes. The promotion was accessible at participating locations nationwide.

Coffee and Beverages

Dunkin' joined the Election Day celebration by offering a free medium coffee to customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker, providing a jumpstart to their Election Day. This promotion helped voters energize after casting their ballots while celebrating their civic participation.

Wendy's took a slightly different approach by offering free coffee with any breakfast purchase, but specifically required customers to order through the Wendy's mobile app to access this deal. This digital-only promotion encouraged app engagement while rewarding voters with a complimentary coffee.

Starbucks offered a different type of incentive by providing a $5 gift card to new Rewards members on Election Day. This promotion aimed to attract new customers to the Starbucks loyalty program while celebrating voters.

Other Food Items

Several additional food establishments offered Election Day promotions:

  • Auntie Anne's provided a free pretzel when customers ordered through the Auntie Anne's mobile app, requiring digital engagement to access this complimentary item.
  • Shake Shack joined the celebration by offering free fries with any purchase when customers showed their "I Voted" sticker.
  • Insomnia Cookies treated voters to a free cookie with their "I Voted" sticker, providing a sweet post-voting celebration.
  • Yogurtland offered a 15 percent discount to in-store customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker on November 5. With more than 200 locations across the country, this frozen yogurt chain made it easy for voters to save on their Election Day treat.
  • IKEA provided free frozen yogurt at their in-store Swedish Bistro on November 5. Shoppers needed to present a printed or electronic version of a coupon to receive the complimentary dessert, with no purchase necessary.

Transportation Discounts

Several transportation companies offered discounts to help voters get to the polls and celebrate after voting:

Lypt provided 50% off rides (up to $10) with a promo code in the app. This discount also applied to bike and scooter rides in select cities, making it easier for voters to access various transportation options while saving money.

Uber offered two different promotions on Election Day. First, they provided 50% off rides to the polls (up to $10) when riders clicked through the 'Go Vote' tile to book a ride. This offer was not available in California or Georgia. Additionally, Uber offered 25% off all election night Uber Eats orders of $25 or more (up to a $15 discount) from 6:00 PM local time on November 5 through 7:00 AM local time on November 6, allowing voters to celebrate their civic duty with discounted food delivery.

Other Offers and Services

Beyond food and transportation, other businesses provided Election Day promotions:

Planet Fitness offered free access on Election Day, helping voters stay active after performing their civic duty. This promotion allowed non-members to experience the gym facilities without charge.

Flat Top Grill provided 20% off the in-store tab (excluding alcohol) for customers who stopped in with their "I Voted" sticker, making it an attractive option for voters looking to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Chuck E. Cheese's offer was specifically for Election Day only (November 5) at participating locations. The restaurant required customers to use a coupon from their website to access 60 minutes of free play with a 60-minute purchase, providing entertainment options for families celebrating Election Day.

Junior's Restaurant & Cheesecake offered $7 off all cakes online through Thursday after Election Day, extending the Election Day celebration for several days after the actual voting day.

How to Access These Offers

Most Election Day freebies and deals required specific methods of access:

  • "I Voted" Sticker: Many offers required voters to show their "I Voted" sticker, which is typically provided at polling places after casting a ballot. This became the standard verification method across numerous food and beverage establishments.
  • App-Specific Offers: Some promotions, like Auntie Anne's free pretzel and Wendy's free coffee, required ordering through specific mobile apps. These digital offers encouraged customers to engage with brands' mobile platforms.
  • Website Coupons: Certain businesses, like Chuck E. Cheese, required customers to access coupons from their websites before visiting to redeem special offers.
  • In-Person Mentions: Some establishments, like Johnny Rockets, required customers to mention specific offers at the register to receive complimentary items.

Businesses varied in their approach to verifying voter participation, with some accepting physical "I Voted" stickers, others requiring digital verification through apps, and some combining multiple methods to ensure customers had actually participated in the democratic process.

Conclusion

Election Day 2024 offered numerous opportunities for voters to enjoy complimentary food items, discounted services, and special promotions across the United States. From free donuts at Krispy Kreme and complimentary coffee at Dunkin' to discounted rides through Uber and Lyft, businesses provided various ways to celebrate the democratic process. While many offers required showing an "I Voted" sticker, others were accessible through apps or specific purchase requirements.

These promotions not only served as rewards for civic duty but also helped boost foot traffic for participating businesses during a typically slower day. For consumers, Election Day became an opportunity to enjoy treats and discounts while participating in the democratic process. For businesses, these promotions offered a way to engage with customers and demonstrate community involvement.

As future elections approach, consumers can likely expect similar promotions from their favorite food establishments and service providers, continuing the tradition of celebrating civic participation through special offers and freebies.

Sources

  1. Election Day 2024 Freebies And Deals Where To Get Free Food And Discounts After Voting
  2. 20 Election Day Freebies and Deals to Reward You for Voting Today
  3. Get These 21 Freebies and Discounts Just for Voting
  4. Election Day Freebies & Deals 2024