On November 5, 2024, numerous businesses across the United States offered a variety of freebies and deals to reward individuals for participating in the civic process. These promotions ranged from complimentary food items and beverages to discounts on transportation and services. The availability of these offers typically required specific actions, such as presenting an "I Voted" sticker, utilizing a promo code, or making a qualifying purchase. The following guide details the verified offers available on Election Day, categorized by business type.
Food and Beverage Offers
A significant portion of Election Day promotions centered on food and beverages, with major national chains and regional restaurants offering complimentary items or discounts.
Donuts and Bakeries
Krispy Kreme was a prominent participant in Election Day promotions. According to multiple sources, the company offered a free Original Glazed doughnut to customers. Sources [1], [3], [4], [5], and [6] confirm this offer. Source [1] noted that no purchase was necessary. Source [6] specified that the doughnut was available "in honor of 'DOUGHmocracy'." Source [5] mentioned that customers could also receive a free "I Voted" sticker at Krispy Kreme locations if they voted early or mailed their ballot. Source [3] indicated that the free doughnut was available with an "I Voted" sticker, while Source [6] stated no proof of vote was needed.
Great American Cookies offered a free regular cookie to voters presenting an "I Voted" sticker, as reported in Source [4].
Coffee and Beverages
Dunkin' offered a free medium coffee to customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker, according to Source [1].
Starbucks provided a $5 gift card to new Rewards members on Election Day, as detailed in Source [1].
Fast Food and Casual Dining
Several burger and sandwich chains participated. Johnny Rockets offered a free milkshake with any in-store purchase. Sources [1], [2], [3], and [5] confirm this. Source [2] and [5] specified that the offer applied to non-vegan milkshakes and required mentioning the "Free Shake" offer at the register. Source [1] excluded Craig’s Vegan Shakes.
Shake Shack offered free fries with any purchase when a customer showed an "I Voted" sticker, per Source [1].
Taco Bell offered a free taco with any purchase, as listed in Source [1].
Jersey Mike’s offered a $2 discount on any sub for app users, according to Source [1].
Boston Market offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on individual meals, as noted in Source [1].
MOD Pizza offered buy-one-get-one-free pizzas, according to Source [1].
Buffalo Wild Wings offered free wings with any $10 purchase, per Source [1].
Fazoli's offered $2 off specific signature bake menu items, including Chicken Parmigiano, Loaded Baked Spaghetti, and Spicy Baked Ziti with Italian sausage. Sources [2], [5], and [6] confirm this offer.
Noodles & Company asked customers to vote for their favorite mac and cheese, after which they could print a coupon for a buy-one-get-one-free regular bowl, as reported in Source [4].
Bob Evans provided a coupon for 30% off an entire order to voters, according to Source [4].
Chuck E. Cheese offered a coupon code (5253) for a free personal pepperoni pizza with any pizza purchase, per Source [4].
Piola Pizzeria in Houston offered a free Margherita pizza with the purchase of a beverage for dine-in customers who showed an "I Voted" sticker or proof of civic duty, as detailed in Source [7].
Junior's Restaurant & Cheesecake offered half-off cheesecake slices with any entree, along with discounts on whole cakes, according to Source [2].
Specialized Dining
East Coast Wings and Grill offered five free honey BBQ chicken wings with an entree on Election Day, per Source [4].
Flat Top Grill offered 20% off the in-store tab (excluding alcohol) for customers with a sticker, according to Source [2].
Dave & Buster's offered $5 beers on Election Day, as reported in Source [2]. Source [5] mentioned the chain as a place to ease Election Day stress, though specific offers were not detailed in that source.
Yogurtland offered 15% off for customers with an "I Voted" sticker, according to Source [5].
John’s Grill in San Francisco offered complimentary lunch and wine at an Election Day Luncheon hosted by former SF Mayor Willie Brown, as noted in Source [3].
Dessert
Insomnia Cookies offered a free cookie with an "I Voted" sticker, according to Source [1].
Transportation and Mobility Offers
Several transportation companies offered discounted rides to polling locations to facilitate voting.
Ridesharing
Uber offered 50% off rides to polling locations (up to $10). Sources [3], [6], and [7] confirm this. Source [3] and [7] noted that users could utilize the "Go Vote!" feature or tile in the app to find the nearest polling place and apply the discount automatically. Source [6] added that Uber Eats offered 25% off orders of at least $25 from 6 p.m. on November 5 to 7 a.m. on November 6.
Lyft offered a 50% discount (up to $10) on rides to polling sites. Sources [3], [6], and [7] confirm this. Source [6] and [7] specified that users should preload the code "VOTE24" on or before November 5.
Scooters and Car Rentals
Lime, an e-scooter and e-bike company, offered a free 30-minute ride to and from polling places from October 29 through November 5 using the code "VOTE2024". Sources [3] and [6] confirm this offer.
Zipcar offered more than 7,000 cars for free on Election Day to help users get to the polls. Users were required to reserve a car online or through the app, according to Source [4].
Hertz offered one free day on Election Day when renting a vehicle for at least two days, as reported in Source [2].
Health and Fitness Offers
Planet Fitness offered free access to its gyms on Election Day, allowing voters to stay active, as listed in Source [1].
Gold's Gym offered free access to exercise facilities for those exercising their right to vote, according to Source [4].
Service and Retail Offers
Software and Services
Go To Meeting offered a free 30-day trial of its web conferencing service to users who signed up by Election Day, according to Source [4].
Retail
IKEA offered one free frozen yogurt at participating Swedish Bistros on Election Day. Sources [1], [3], [5], and [7] mention IKEA in the context of Election Day deals, though specific details regarding the frozen yogurt offer are provided in Source [7]. Source [7] noted that customers must present a printed or electronic version of a coupon linked in the IKEA announcement.
Conclusion
On November 5, 2024, a wide array of businesses offered freebies and discounts to encourage civic participation. These promotions included complimentary food items such as donuts, cookies, coffee, and shakes from chains like Krispy Kreme, Dunkin', and Johnny Rockets. Discounted meals were available at restaurants including Fazoli's, Boston Market, and MOD Pizza. To access many of these offers, consumers were required to present an "I Voted" sticker or utilize specific promo codes. Transportation services like Uber, Lyft, Lime, and Zipcar provided significant discounts or free rides to facilitate travel to polling locations. Additionally, fitness centers such as Planet Fitness and Gold's Gym offered free access. Consumers were advised to check specific terms, such as purchase requirements or geographic restrictions, at participating locations.