Election Day 2016 in Michigan offered a variety of promotional incentives designed to encourage civic participation. Businesses across the state provided free products, discounts, and special offers to individuals who demonstrated they had cast their ballot. These promotions were typically available only on November 8, 2016, and required specific forms of verification, such as an "I Voted" sticker or the use of a mobile application. The offers spanned multiple categories, including food and beverage, transportation, and family entertainment.
The primary eligibility requirement for most of these deals was physical proof of voting. Participating businesses generally accepted the "I Voted" sticker distributed at polling places as proof. In some cases, specific coupon codes or the download of a brand's mobile application were necessary to redeem the offer. While many deals were available nationwide, some were specific to Michigan locations or participating outlets.
Food and Beverage Promotions
The most common category of Election Day rewards in Michigan in 2016 was food and beverage. Several major chains and local establishments offered free items or percentage-based discounts.
Doughnuts and Coffee
Krispy Kreme was a prominent participant, offering a free doughnut to customers who visited participating locations wearing an "I Voted" sticker. This offer included any flavor, such as the limited edition Pumpkin Spice Cake and Salted Caramel Latte Doughnuts available at the time.
7-Eleven provided a free coffee of any size to customers. However, this offer was strictly tied to digital engagement; the coupon was available exclusively through the 7-Eleven mobile app. Customers were required to download the app and present the coupon at a participating location to redeem the free coffee.
Pizza and Casual Dining
Chuck E. Cheese offered a free personal pepperoni pizza with the purchase of any pizza. To redeem this, parents were required to inform the cashier that they had voted. Alternative sources indicated that specific coupon codes, such as #5253 or #5235, could be used, though the primary method mentioned was verbal confirmation of voting.
Bob Evans provided a discount rather than a free item, offering 30 percent off the total bill for dine-in or carryout orders after 2 p.m. on Election Day. This required the use of a coupon, which was available through various promotional channels.
Marco’s Pizza also participated, though details in the source material were limited to a mention of free pizza availability, directing consumers to the brand's website for more information.
Sandwiches and Sides
Firehouse Subs offered a free medium drink with any purchase to customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker.
Schlotzsky’s Deli provided a buy-one-get-one-free offer on mac and cheese. This promotion required the coupon code 4207. The offer was specifically noted for participating locations in Michigan.
Great American Cookies offered a free regular cookie to customers presenting an "I Voted" sticker at participating locations.
White Castle offered a free gallon of iced tea with the purchase of a Crave Case. This required presenting a coupon in the restaurant or using the promo code "USA" for online orders.
Brewery and Bar Specials
Several breweries and bars in Michigan offered discounts to voters. Batch Brewing Company in Detroit offered $1 off beers all day for those wearing an "I Voted" sticker. Rockford Brewing Company in Rockford offered a similar $1 discount on beers. Holiday Bar in Grand Rapids offered 50 percent off the total bill for customers who wore a sticker and mentioned a specific Facebook post. Dutch Girl Brewery in Spring Lake offered $10 pitchers all day and $1 off sandwiches.
Transportation Offers
To assist with travel to the polls, transportation companies offered incentives.
Ride-Sharing
Uber offered a significant discount for new users. First-time riders could use the code "VOTE TODAY" or "VOTETODAY" to receive $20 off their first ride. This offer was valid on Election Day.
Car Sharing
Zipcar offered free access to vehicles on Election Day evening. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time, members could reserve vehicles for free to drive to the polls. This promotion was part of a campaign to #DRIVEtheVOTE, with over 7,000 vehicles available nationwide.
Car Washes
Colonial Car Wash, located at 9 Mile and Farmington, offered a free car wash to customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker.
Family and Community Services
Childcare
The YMCA in West Michigan offered a unique community service by providing free childcare while parents voted. This allowed parents to visit the polls without needing to bring their children along.
Entertainment
In addition to the pizza offers at Chuck E. Cheese, the brand allowed parents to redeem offers by telling the cashier they had voted, streamlining the process for families heading out after casting their ballots.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
The rules for redeeming these Election Day freebies varied by vendor but generally fell into three categories:
- Physical Proof of Voting: The "I Voted" sticker was the most common requirement. Businesses such as Krispy Kreme, Firehouse Subs, Great American Cookies, and Colonial Car Wash relied on this visual verification.
- Digital Verification: 7-Eleven required customers to download their mobile app to access the free coffee coupon. This represented a shift toward digital engagement for 2016 promotions.
- Coupon Codes and Purchases: Some offers, such as those from Schlotzsky's and White Castle, required specific coupon codes. Others, like Firehouse Subs and Chuck E. Cheese (in some variations), required a purchase to receive the free item or discount.
Geographic Availability
While many of these brands are national chains, the source material specifically highlights availability in West Michigan and other parts of the state. For example, BurgerFi had only two locations in Michigan (Ann Arbor and Northville) participating in a specific burger discount. Schlotzsky's had four locations in the state. Consumers were advised to call ahead to ensure their local branch was participating in the promotions.
Conclusion
The Election Day 2016 promotions in Michigan served as a widespread marketing effort to reward civic engagement. The offers were diverse, covering essential items like coffee and food, as well as services like transportation and childcare. The consistent theme across all vendors was the requirement to prove participation in the democratic process, primarily through the "I Voted" sticker. For consumers, these deals provided a tangible incentive to vote, though strict adherence to eligibility rules—such as using specific app versions or coupon codes—was necessary to redeem them.