Election Day promotions often include a variety of freebies and discounted offers designed to encourage civic participation. These offers typically range from free transportation to polling locations to complimentary food and beverages at participating businesses. However, the availability and structure of these promotions can vary significantly by year, location, and the presence of federal candidates on the ballot. Federal election laws prohibit businesses from offering free items specifically in exchange for proof of voting when federal candidates are involved. As a result, Election Day freebie trends often differ between presidential election years and off-year or local elections.
In Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas, election-related promotions have historically included partnerships between transportation services and local authorities, as well as deals from restaurant chains and retail brands. During specific election cycles, such as 2016, 2018, and 2020, distinct patterns emerged regarding how brands and services approached these offers.
Transportation and Voting Access
A significant component of Election Day initiatives involves facilitating travel to polling places. Various transportation networks have offered free or discounted rides to support voter turnout.
Ride-Sharing and Bike Programs
During the 2018 election cycle, several national mobility programs offered free rides. The code "BIKETOVOTE" provided a free day pass for most Motivate bike-share programs. Specific regional codes included "VOTE18" for Divvy and "BIKE2VOTE" for BIKETOWN in Portland. Additionally, 30 minutes of free ride time was available for BIKETOWN users on Election Day.
Public transit systems in multiple cities also participated. In 2018, the Los Angeles Metro, the COMET bus service in Columbia, South Carolina, the Houston Metro, and the Greensboro Transit Authority in North Carolina offered free fares system-wide on Election Day.
Early Voting Initiatives
During the 2020 election cycle, efforts to facilitate early voting in Houston were prominent. The Harris County Clerk’s Office partnered with the Houston Rockets and MTV to host an inaugural Vote Early Day event at the Toyota Center. This initiative aimed to boost participation during the early voting period, which in Texas typically ends on the Friday before Election Day. In 2020, early voting ran through October 30, while Election Day was November 3. In 2018, Election Day was November 5.
Record-breaking turnout was observed in Harris County during the 2020 early voting period. Nearly 1 million people had voted by a Friday afternoon in October, breaking 2016 records. On the second day of early voting in 2020, 100,000 ballots were cast by 5:20 p.m., shattering the previous day-two record of 73,542 set in 2016. The first day of early voting in 2020 also broke the 2016 record with more than 128,000 voters.
Food and Beverage Promotions
Restaurants and food brands frequently offer promotions tied to Election Day. These offers often require an "I Voted" sticker or a specific phrase to redeem. However, the legality of these offers is strictly regulated under federal law.
Legal Considerations
Federal law makes it illegal to offer free food or drink in exchange for proof of voting in elections where federal candidates are on the ballot. This regulation was highlighted during the 2018 election cycle. For example, the Field Museum in Chicago originally required a voting sticker for free admission but had to change its offer to free admission for all Illinois residents to comply with federal election laws.
2018 Election Day Deals
Despite the restrictions in federal election years, the 2018 off-year election saw several businesses offer deals. Participating brands included:
- Baked by Melissa: Offered a free cupcake with an "I Voted" sticker at store locations and a 10% discount on online orders using the promo code IVOTED2018.
- Bobo’s: Provided a coupon for a free vegan, gluten-free oat bar. Users had to tag @eatbobos on social media with #GetOatTheVote.
- California Tortilla: Offered free chips and queso with any purchase when a customer said "I voted."
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: Provided $1 off any sub for showing a voting sticker.
- Chameleon Cold-Brew: Offered a voucher for a free 10-ounce cold brew for posting a selfie with an "I Voted" sticker on Instagram.
- Miller's Ale House: Offered the first beer for $1 (or a non-alcoholic beverage) for saying "I voted." This was valid in several states, including Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
- ModCloth: The brand shut down its website and FitShop stores in Austin, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., on Election Day to encourage voting. The following day, customers could show an "I Voted" sticker or social media post to receive a limited-edition pin and tote bag.
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Offered a free cookie with any purchase by simply asking for it.
- Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Offered an Original Fish Taco with beer for $5, or à la carte options like a $2 Fish Taco Especial or a $1.75 Original Fish Taco. Guests received an "I Taco’d" sticker.
- Twin Peaks: Offered free chips and queso with the purchase of a beverage for customers with a voting sticker.
2016 Election Context
While specific 2016 Houston food deals are not detailed in the provided data, the general trend suggests that brands were cautious due to the presence of federal candidates. The provided text references a 2018 article noting that "few restaurants with more than 20 locations are rewarding voters' civic duty" during that cycle, implying a stricter adherence to federal laws compared to non-federal election years.
Political Context and Voter Eligibility
Understanding the political landscape is essential for voters. The provided data highlights specific races and election procedures relevant to Houston and Texas.
Houston Mayoral Race (2019)
In the 2019 Houston mayoral election, incumbent Sylvester Turner faced a challenge from attorney Tony Buzbee. The race was characterized as "noisy and rollicking." A key dynamic of the campaign was Turner's effort to link Buzbee to President Donald Trump. Buzbee had hosted a fundraiser for Trump in 2016 and donated $500,000 to the presidential inauguration committee. Buzbee ran as a "nonpartisan political outsider." Polls indicated that Turner had less than 50% support, suggesting the possibility of a runoff election.
Election Dates and Procedures
Election dates in Texas vary by cycle: * 2016: General Election (referenced in source data regarding early voting comparison). * 2018: General Election (November 5). * 2020: General Election (November 3).
For voters in Harris County, early voting is a critical component of the election process. In 2020, the last day for early voting was October 30. The Harris County Clerk’s Office manages these logistics, as evidenced by their tracking of turnout records.
Judicial Candidates
The data also references Ursula Hall, a candidate for judge in Texas. Hall sought election in the 2010 and 2014 cycles, with endorsements and campaign issues available on her website. This highlights the importance of local judicial races on the ballot.
Summary of Available Offers
To summarize the specific freebies and promotions identified in the source material:
Transportation:
- Bike Share: Free day passes/codes (BIKETOVOTE, VOTE18, BIKE2VOTE) in 2018.
- Public Transit: Free fares on Houston Metro and other systems in 2018.
- Rideshare: Historically offered, though specific 2016/2018 codes for Houston are not listed in the provided text.
Food & Retail:
- Baked by Melissa: Free cupcake (2018).
- Bobo’s: Free oat bar coupon via social media (2018).
- California Tortilla: Free chips and queso with purchase (2018).
- Capriotti’s: $1 off sub (2018).
- Chameleon Cold-Brew: Free 10-ounce drink (2018).
- Miller's Ale House: $1 first beer (2018).
- ModCloth: Free pin and tote bag (2018).
- Potbelly: Free cookie (2018).
- Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Discounted tacos (2018).
- Twin Peaks: Free chips and queso (2018).
Consumers interested in these offers should verify participation with local locations, as availability often varies by franchise and region.
Conclusion
Election Day freebies and promotions serve as incentives for civic engagement, though they are strictly regulated by federal election laws. In Houston and across the United States, transportation services have frequently offered free rides to polls, while food and beverage brands have provided discounts and free items, particularly during off-year elections like 2018. The 2020 election cycle saw a strong focus on early voting infrastructure and record-breaking turnout in Harris County. Voters should remain aware of election dates, local political races, and the specific terms and conditions of any promotional offers.