Election Day 2016 offered a variety of promotions and freebies for voters in Chandler, Arizona, and the surrounding Phoenix Valley. As citizens prepared to cast their ballots, several national brands and local establishments announced special offers to acknowledge civic participation. These deals ranged from complimentary food and beverages to discounted transportation services, with many requiring little more than an "I Voted" sticker for redemption. This article provides a detailed overview of the freebies and promotions available in the Chandler area on and around November 8, 2016, based on contemporary news reports and official announcements.
Food and Beverage Promotions
A significant number of Election Day freebies centered on food and drink, with several national chains offering complimentary items to voters. Krispy Kreme, the well-known doughnut chain, was a prominent participant. The company offered a free original glazed doughnut at participating U.S. shops. While this was a nationwide promotion, it was confirmed that locations in Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix were participating in the free doughnut giveaway. Notably, recipients did not need to prove they had cast a ballot; the presence of an "I Voted" sticker was sufficient for the freebie.
Shake Shack, a popular burger and custard chain, also participated with a specific promotion for voters in the Phoenix Valley. Customers could visit any of the three Valley locations and mention the "Election Day promotion" to receive a free scoop of custard. This offer did not require a purchase, making it a straightforward treat for those exercising their right to vote. The participating locations included sites in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
For those seeking a quick caffeine boost, 7-Eleven offered a free coffee of any size or flavor starting at midnight on Election Day. To access this deal, customers were required to download the 7-Eleven mobile app, where the coupon for the free coffee was located in the "Scan and Save" section. This promotion leveraged digital technology to deliver the offer directly to consumers' smartphones.
Another national chain, Firehouse Subs, provided a complimentary medium drink to customers who wore their "I Voted" sticker to any location. This offer was a simple way for voters to refresh themselves after the effort of casting their ballot.
Additional food and beverage deals were available at various establishments around the Phoenix area. Johnny Rockets, a 1950s diner-style chain, offered customers one free shake with an in-store purchase on Election Day. To redeem, guests simply had to mention the "Free Shake" offer at the register. Similarly, Lazy Dog restaurants offered a free non-alcoholic drink with an entree purchase to diners presenting an "I Voted" sticker.
Local Phoenix-area restaurants also joined in with Election Day specials. Snooze Eatery, with multiple Valley locations, provided a free pancake with any entree for customers wearing their "I Voted" sticker. Bluewater Grill offered an all-day happy hour to qualifying customers. Other local spots like Roses by the Stairs Brewing and Marino's Italian Kitchen & Bar offered discounts on drinks, such as $2 off a first pour or all-day happy hour pricing.
Ikea, the Swedish furniture retailer, offered a free frozen yogurt at its participating bistros on Election Day. While recipients did not need to prove they had voted, they were required to present a printed or electronic version of a coupon to receive the complimentary treat.
Transportation and Ride Services
Ensuring voters could get to and from their polling places was another focus of Election Day promotions. Several ride-sharing and vehicle rental companies offered discounted or free rides.
Uber provided a 50% discount on trips to the polling place, with a maximum discount of $10. The promotion was accessible through the Uber app, which also featured a tile to help users find their nearest polling location. Uber Eats also offered a promotion, providing 25% off orders with a $25 minimum, available from the evening of November 5 through the early morning of November 6.
A specific promotion for the Phoenix area was available through the Discount Ride app. New users could download the app, set up an account with a credit card, and use the promotion code "RIDE2VOTE" to receive a free ride up to $10 to their polling location and back.
For those needing a vehicle, Zipcar offered to waive fees on Election night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for trips to the polls. This promotion required users to create and be approved for a Zipcar account.
Childcare and Other Services
Recognizing that voting can be a time-consuming process, especially for parents, the Valley of the Sun YMCA offered a valuable service. All sixteen Valley locations provided four hours of free child care on Election Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This service was available to both members and non-members, though children were required to be potty-trained.
Conclusion
Election Day 2016 in Chandler, AZ, and the greater Phoenix area was marked by a wide array of consumer promotions aimed at making the civic process a little more rewarding. From free doughnuts and coffee to discounted rides and childcare, these offers provided tangible benefits to voters. The majority of these deals were simple to access, often relying on the honor system of an "I Voted" sticker or a simple mention of the promotion at the point of sale. A few, like the 7-Eleven coffee, required a digital step, such as downloading a mobile app. As with any promotion, consumers were advised to check with local participating locations to confirm deal availability and terms.