Election Day Freebies and Voter Incentives in Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri, offered a variety of freebies and promotional deals to voters during the 2018 election cycle. These incentives were provided by local businesses and community organizations as a way to encourage voter participation and reward citizens for casting their ballots. The offers primarily focused on food and beverages, requiring voters to present an "I Voted" sticker as proof of participation.

Local Restaurant Deals for Voters

Several restaurants in Kansas City provided specific deals for individuals who showed their "I Voted" sticker on Election Day. According to local reports, these establishments aimed to give residents an extra incentive to head to the polls.

Mac’s Fish & More: This restaurant offered a "buy one pound of fish, get one pound free" deal to voters presenting their sticker.
Smaax: Starting at 11 a.m., Smaax provided $5 chicken strip baskets for voters.
Old Folks Lounge: Voters could purchase two chili dogs for $1 at this location.

These deals were contingent on voters showing their "I Voted" sticker, serving as a tangible verification of their civic engagement.

Community Voting Events

Beyond individual restaurant deals, community organizations also hosted events to engage voters. The Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Commission on Social Action organized a "Rock the Vote!" event at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center, located at 3700 Blue Parkway in Kansas City. This event began at 11 a.m. on Election Day.

Attendees who showed their "I Voted" sticker received free tacos and beverages. The event also featured movies on the history of voting, aiming to educate participants on the significance of the electoral process. Local resident Teresa Perry noted that these efforts were part of a broader push to ensure voters took the election seriously, citing its potential impact on the community.

Context of the 2018 Elections

The 2018 elections were significant for several reasons, including the impact on redistricting following the 2020 United States census. Governors and state legislators elected in 2018 were tasked with drawing new boundaries for state legislative and Congressional districts.

In the gubernatorial elections, Democrats picked up seven governorships, including a victory in Kansas, which was noted as the lone "red state" to elect a Democratic governor that year. Republicans, meanwhile, picked up the independent-held seat in Alaska and secured wins in competitive and Democratic-leaning states.

The election was characterized by high voter turnout and was widely described as a "blue wave" election, with Democrats making significant gains in the House of Representatives. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi stated that voters wanted to "restore the Constitution's checks and balances to the Trump administration," while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell described the election day as "a very good day" for his party.

Broader Civic Engagement and Consumer Advice

While the Kansas City freebies were specific to the 2018 election, the concept of voter incentives aligns with broader civic engagement efforts. Organizations such as the NAACP have historically encouraged voter registration and participation, emphasizing that local elections impact daily lives. In 2025, the NAACP highlighted the importance of voting for Black Americans, noting the impact of federal government shutdowns and rising Black unemployment rates.

For consumers interested in free samples and promotional offers, Election Day deals represent a unique category of time-sensitive offers. To take advantage of such deals, consumers typically need to verify their voting status via a sticker or other proof, and act within the specific hours designated by the business. While these deals are often one-day events, they reflect a growing trend of brands and local businesses using civic milestones to connect with consumers and incentivize positive community actions.

Conclusion

In 2018, Kansas City businesses and organizations provided various freebies and deals to reward voters, offering everything from free fish to discounted chicken strips and tacos. These initiatives were part of a larger effort to boost voter turnout and highlight the importance of civic participation during a significant midterm election that reshaped state and national leadership. For deal seekers, these types of offers underscore the value of staying informed about local promotions tied to community events and holidays.