Election Day often brings a variety of freebies and discounts from businesses aiming to encourage civic participation. These offers typically range from free food and beverages to discounts on services and entertainment. Generally, these promotions require customers to show proof of voting, most commonly in the form of the "I Voted" sticker issued at polling locations. However, specific requirements and offer details can vary significantly by brand, location, and year.
The following guide details the types of freebies and deals that have historically been offered around Election Day, based on available reports.
Food and Beverage Offers
Restaurants and food chains are frequent participants in Election Day promotions, often providing free items or discounts to voters.
Doughnuts and Coffee
Krispy Kreme has a history of offering a free Original Glazed doughnut on Election Day. Reports from multiple years indicate that this offer is generally available at participating U.S. locations. In some instances, such as in 2016 and 2024, no proof of voting (like an "I Voted" sticker) was required to receive the doughnut. However, other reports suggest that the free doughnut is a reward for showing an "I Voted" sticker. Specific exclusions have been noted in the past, such as certain retailers in California not participating in the giveaway.
Coffee is another common Election Day freebie. 7-Eleven has offered free coffee to customers who use their mobile app and show proof of voting. In 2016, this required the app, while a 2016 report also mentioned free coffee at The Pie Hole in Los Angeles for those showing a voting stub. Dunkin' has offered promotions around Election Day, though specific deals may be tied to their DD Perks loyalty program and valid on subsequent days, such as "Free Coffee Wednesdays."
Fast Food and Casual Dining
Several major fast-food and casual dining chains have offered Election Day deals. In 2020, McDonald's offered new pastry items with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee through their app. Chili's has offered its Presidente Margarita for a discounted price (e.g., $5) along with a commemorative sticker. Other restaurants offering Election Day specials have included: - Marco’s Pizza: Offered a free medium pizza in 2016. - Noodles and Company: Provided a BOGO free coupon in 2016. - Fire House Subs: Gave a free medium drink in 2016. - Ben & Jerry’s: Offered free ice cream in North Carolina in 2016. - Dave & Buster's: Featured a $19.99 Eat, Drink, Play Combo Meal, $5 draft beers, and $5 Late Night Bites in 2024. - Fazoli's: Offered $2 off signature bakes in 2024. - Genghis Grill: Provided 20% off orders (in-store only, excluding alcohol) when showing an "I Voted" sticker in 2024. - O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar: Sold a Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $6 in 2024. - Johnny Rockets: Handed out a free shake if guests proved they voted in 2024. - IKEA: Offered free frozen yogurt with a coupon in 2024.
Food Delivery Services
Delivery apps often participate with discounts and free delivery offers. In 2020, DoorDash offered free delivery on orders with a $15 minimum using a promo code. Grubhub offered more than 30 discounts in their Perks tab. In 2024, Grubhub+ members could get deals on brands like Starbucks, Wendy's, and KFC. Uber Eats offered 25% off orders on Election Night in 2024.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food, various retailers and service providers offer incentives for voters.
Entertainment and Fitness
Entertainment venues sometimes offer deals to encourage voting. In 2016, Sling TV offered 25 channels free for election coverage. In 2024, IKEA offered free frozen yogurt. For fitness enthusiasts, Gold’s Gym has allowed free workouts for anyone with an "I Voted" sticker. In Tucson, the Breakout Dance Studio offered a free dance lesson to voters in 2018. The Tucson Roadrunners hockey club offered a two-for-one ticket deal for a game in 2018.
Transportation
Transportation services can be a focus for Election Day promotions, particularly to help voters get to the polls. In 2020, Sun Tran in Tucson, Arizona, provided free public transit on Election Day to remove barriers to voting. In 2024, both Uber and Lyft were reported to be offering 50% off trips to polling places. Hertz offered one free day when renting for two or more days through November 5 in 2024.
Apparel and Accessories
Foot Locker has offered limited-edition "I Voted" pins to customers who present their voting stickers. The 1933 Group offered a complimentary shot of booze at their bars (including Harlowe, Sassafras, Thirsty Crow, and others) from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. when showing an "I Voted" sticker.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
The primary requirement for most Election Day freebies is proof of voting. This is almost universally requested in the form of the "I Voted" sticker provided at polling stations. Some offers, like the free coffee at 7-Eleven, require the use of a mobile app. Other offers may require a specific promo code (e.g., DoorDash's "VOTE" code) or are available only to loyalty program members (e.g., Dunkin's DD Perks).
Participation varies by location. For example, Krispy Kreme has excluded specific retailers in California from their free doughnut offer in the past. Most offers are valid only on Election Day itself and are subject to availability ("while supplies last"). It is always recommended to check with the specific local establishment or the brand's official website for participation and details before visiting.
Conclusion
Election Day freebies serve as a popular method for businesses to engage with consumers and promote civic participation. The offers span a wide range of categories, from food and beverage to entertainment and transportation. While the "I Voted" sticker remains the most common key to unlocking these deals, specific terms such as app usage, promo codes, and location-based participation are critical factors for consumers to consider. Availability and specific details of these promotions can change from one election cycle to another.