Election Day 2024, scheduled for November 5, presents a unique opportunity for U.S. consumers to access various freebies and promotional deals. While the day is not a federal holiday, numerous businesses across the food, transportation, and entertainment sectors have introduced offers to acknowledge civic participation. These promotions range from complimentary food items and beverages to discounted rideshare services and free access to fitness centers. This guide details the verified offers available on or around Election Day, focusing on the specific requirements, participating brands, and redemption processes derived from current source data.
The majority of these offers are available to the general public, though some require specific actions such as downloading an app, making a purchase, or presenting an "I Voted" sticker. Notably, the legality of requiring proof of voting for discounts has been cited as a reason why many businesses do not strictly enforce sticker requirements, instead making offers available to all guests. However, specific participation may vary by location, and most offers are valid only while supplies last.
Food and Beverage Freebies
The most prominent category of Election Day promotions involves food and beverages, with major national chains offering complimentary items ranging from sweet treats to savory meals.
Donuts and Coffee
Krispy Kreme is a primary participant in Election Day 2024 promotions, offering a free Original Glazed doughnut to all guests at participating U.S. shops on November 5. According to multiple sources, this offer requires no purchase and no proof of voting. Additionally, Krispy Kreme is providing free "I Voted" stickers at participating locations, specifically intended for those who voted early or voted by mail. These stickers are available while supplies last.
Dunkin' is offering a free medium coffee to customers who present an "I Voted" sticker on Election Day. This offer is intended to help voters "jumpstart" their day.
Fast Food and Casual Dining
Several fast-casual and full-service restaurants are participating with specific app-based offers or sticker-based discounts:
- Johnny Rockets: Customers can receive a free shake with any in-store purchase. To redeem, guests must mention the "Free Shake" offer at the register. The offer is explicitly not valid on Craig’s Vegan Shakes.
- Shake Shack: Customers presenting an "I Voted" sticker will receive free fries with any purchase.
- Fazoli's: This Italian fast-casual chain is offering $2 off a signature bake menu item. Signature bake items include Baked Chicken Parmigiano, Loaded Baked Spaghetti, and Spicy Baked Ziti.
- Boston Market: The rotisserie chicken chain is running a Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) free deal on individual meals. Additionally, a separate report mentions a free slider offer after 9:00 pm ET on November 3, intended for late-night voters.
- Taco Bell: A free taco is available with any purchase at participating locations.
- MOD Pizza: The chain is offering BOGO pizzas for post-voting dinner.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Customers can enjoy free wings with any $10 purchase on Election Day.
- Dave & Buster's: The food and entertainment destination is offering several specials, including a $19.99 Eat, Drink, Play Combo Meal (choice of entrée, fountain drink, and a $10 power card) and $5 beers all day on 22-ounce drafts of Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. They also offer $5 Late Night Bites on Sundays through Thursdays after 10 p.m.
- Red Lobster: Guests can sign up for My Red Lobster Rewards and place a to-go order of at least $15 to receive 12 free Cheddar Bay Biscuits plus 10% off their next order.
- Yogurtland: Customers presenting an "I Voted" sticker receive 15% off their purchase.
App-Based and Digital Offers
Many promotions require the use of a brand’s mobile application or digital sign-up:
- Auntie Anne's: Customers can enjoy a free pretzel when they order through the Auntie Anne's app.
- Insomnia Cookies: A free cookie is available with the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker.
- Smoothie King: App users receive $1 off any smoothie.
- Jersey Mike's Subs: App users get $2 off any sub.
- Starbucks: New Starbucks Rewards members receive a $5 gift card for Election Day coffee.
- Grubhub+: As part of the "Gold Days of Grubhub+" celebration, Grubhub is running several specials from November 5 through November 10. Specific details on these deals were not fully elaborated in the source data, but they are part of a broader promotion for Grubhub+ members.
General Discounts and Poll Worker Perks
- CAVA: Poll workers can receive a free bowl or pita by showing their badge at all locations.
- Chopt: Poll workers with a badge can get a free meal.
- Baked by Melissa: Customers can show their "I Voted" sticker at a store to receive 10% off a purchase.
- Bobo's: Customers can fill out an "I Voted" information form, and Bobo's will mail a coupon valid for one free bar anywhere Bobo's is sold.
- Biggby Coffee: Customers can get BOGO or $1 off any drink (up to 24 oz) by showing a coupon. However, the source data indicates this offer is valid on November 3, 2020, which suggests the data is outdated and likely not applicable to the 2024 election.
Transportation and Travel Discounts
Rideshare and mobility companies are offering discounted transportation to and from polling places to facilitate voting access.
Rideshare Services
- Uber: Uber is offering 50% off rides to polling places (up to $10). The app also includes features to help users find the nearest polling location. Additionally, Uber Eats is offering 25% off orders up to $15 with a $25 minimum order. This offer is valid from 6:00 pm local time on November 5 to 7:00 am local time on November 6.
- Lyft: Lyft is offering a 50% discount (up to $10) on rides to the polls on Election Day. Users must preload the ride code VOTE24 on or before November 5 to redeem the offer.
E-Bikes and Scooters
- Lime: The e-bike and e-scooter company is offering a free 30-minute ride to and from polling places. The code VOTE2024 must be used to redeem this offer. The promotion is valid from October 29 through November 5, 2024.
Car Rentals
- Hertz: While specific details were not provided in the source text, rideshare companies and Hertz were collectively mentioned as offering deals for voters needing transportation to cast their votes.
Health and Fitness Access
In addition to food and transportation, some businesses are offering services aimed at health and wellness.
- Planet Fitness: The gym chain is offering free access to its facilities on Election Day. This allows the public to use gym equipment to "stay active" without a membership.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While the availability of these deals is widespread, consumers should be aware of several key factors when attempting to redeem them:
- Participating Locations: Offers from national chains like Krispy Kreme, Dunkin', and Shake Shack are typically valid at participating locations only. It is advisable to call ahead or check the specific store's policy before visiting.
- Proof of Voting: Many offers require an "I Voted" sticker. While some brands (like Krispy Kreme) are providing stickers at their shops, voters typically receive stickers at polling places. However, as noted in source data, the requirement for proof of voting is often flexible due to legal ambiguities, and some offers may be available to all customers regardless of whether they vote.
- App and Sign-Up Requirements: Several discounts, such as those at Auntie Anne's, Jersey Mike's, and Smoothie King, require downloading the specific brand app or signing up for a rewards program. New members should be aware of the sign-up process for offers like the Starbucks $5 gift card.
- Expiration and Timing: Some deals are strictly for Election Day (November 5), while others extend slightly before or after. For example, Lime’s free ride offer runs from October 29 to November 5, and Uber Eats' discount extends into the early morning of November 6.
- Purchase Requirements: Certain offers, such as the free shake at Johnny Rockets or free fries at Shake Shack, require a purchase. Conversely, Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' offers (with sticker) generally do not.
Conclusion
Election Day 2024 offers a diverse array of freebies and discounts designed to reward civic participation. From free doughnuts and coffee to discounted rideshares and gym access, the landscape of available perks is extensive. Consumers are encouraged to review the specific terms of each offer, including requirements for app usage, proof of voting, or minimum purchases, to ensure successful redemption. As these promotions are subject to change and supply limitations, verifying details with participating brands directly is recommended.