Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, marked Election Day across the United States, and numerous businesses offered freebies, discounts, and special deals to encourage civic participation and reward voters. For residents of California, a variety of promotions were available, ranging from free transportation services to complimentary food items and entertainment discounts. These offers were designed to make the voting process more accessible and enjoyable, often requiring only an "I Voted" sticker or participation in specific promotional activities.
Transportation and Travel Offers
Getting to the polls is a fundamental part of the voting process, and several transportation companies offered discounted or free rides to assist voters in California.
Ride-Sharing Discounts
Major ride-sharing platforms provided significant discounts for rides to polling locations.
- Lyft: Voters could receive 50% off rides to the polls, with a discount of up to $10. This offer was accessible by preloading the promo code "VOTE24" on or before November 5th. Additionally, Lyft offered a promo code "WWAV2024" through the organization When We All Vote for a free ride to the polling place, while supplies lasted. Another code, "NAACPVOTE24," provided two rides up to $20 each, for a total of $40 off.
- Uber: Uber offered 50% off rides to the polls, up to $10, for riders in the United States. To access this deal, users needed to click through the 'Go Vote' tile in the app to book their ride. It is noted that this offer was not available in California or Georgia. For election night, Uber also provided 25% off Uber Eats orders of $25 or more, with a maximum discount of $15. This promotion was valid from 6 PM on November 5th until 7 AM on November 6th.
Micromobility Services
For shorter trips to and from polling places, electric scooter and bike rental services offered free rides.
- Lime: The company provided two free rides to and from local polling locations using the promo code "VOTE2024."
- Bird: Bird offered a promotional code "rockthevote2024" for two free rides to and from polling locations.
Public Transportation
In Los Angeles County, public transit was made free for all riders on Election Day.
- Metro: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) offered free rides on all its services, including buses, trains, Metro Bike Share, and Metro Micro, for the entire day on November 5th. Ballot drop boxes were also placed at key stations, and the Metro HQ at Union Station served as a voting center from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Car Rentals
A major car rental company offered a deal to facilitate travel for those who might need a vehicle to reach their polling place or for other election-related travel.
- Hertz: As part of its "Drive the Vote" deal, Hertz offered one free day when customers rented two or more days from October 21st to November 5th. The offer expired on November 5th.
Food and Beverage Promotions
A wide array of restaurants and food retailers offered free items and discounts to customers who showed their "I Voted" stickers or simply participated in the spirit of the day.
Doughnuts and Pastries
- Krispy Kreme: Participating Krispy Kreme shops across the U.S. gave away a free Original Glazed doughnut to all guests. This promotion, part of their "DOUGHmocracy" celebration, did not require any purchase or proof of voting. The chain also handed out "I Voted" stickers to those who voted early or used an absentee ballot. Participating shops were also noted to be handing out stickers to early voters who wanted a fresh sticker with their doughnut.
Pizza
- Hail Mary: Located in Atwater Village, this pizzeria offered free slices of cheese pizza to customers with an "I Voted" sticker. The offer was valid for in-store customers only.
- Free Pizza to the Polls: A unique initiative allowed individuals to report long lines at polling sites for a chance to have free pizza delivered to those waiting.
Casual Dining and Restaurants
- Johnny Rockets: This 1950s diner-style chain offered a free milkshake with any in-store purchase on Election Day at participating locations.
- IKEA: Customers could get one free frozen yogurt at participating IKEA Swedish Bistros on November 5th with a coupon.
- Yogurtland: A 15% discount on in-store purchases was available at participating Yogurtland locations for customers showing an "I Voted" sticker.
- Ghengis Grill: Voters could receive 20% off their bill (excluding alcohol) by showing an "I Voted" sticker.
Bars and Nightlife (Los Angeles Specific)
Several bars and restaurants in the Los Angeles area offered special deals for voters.
- West Hollywood: A venue offered 2-for-1 drinks all night on Election Day, plus a free shot of tequila for anyone with an "I Voted" sticker.
- Hollywood: A location provided a free margarita from 6 PM until close on Election Day for customers showing an "I Voted" sticker.
- Santa Monica: A California-inspired restaurant offered a free beer, wine, or champagne with lunch or dinner on Election Day upon showing an "I Voted" sticker.
- Culver City and DTLA: At the Culver City location, customers who showed an "I Voted" sticker and ordered the "Line Cook special" received a free shot, a beer, and pickles.
Entertainment and Retail Promotions
Beyond food and transportation, other businesses offered discounts on entertainment and retail products.
Entertainment Venues
- Dave & Buster’s: On Election Day 2024, Dave & Buster’s offered half-priced games. In Los Angeles, all beers were also priced at $5 all day.
- Chuck E. Cheese: Customers who purchased 60 minutes of play received an additional 60 minutes free with a coupon available on their website, valid only on November 5th at participating locations. Bronze and Silver Fun Pass holders also received an exclusive 50% discount on food and drink for Election Day.
Retail
- HEYDUDE Shoes: The casual footwear company ran a "Vote for Comfort" promotion. Customers could visit a specific webpage starting at 6 AM on November 5th and choose to buy either the "left" or "right" shoe in alignment with their vote. The other half of the pair was provided for free using promotional codes "LEFT" or "RIGHT." The offer lasted until 5 AM on November 6th.
Conclusion
The 2024 Election Day in California featured a diverse range of freebies and discounts from businesses aiming to support and reward voters. Promotions spanned essential services like transportation to enhance access to polling places, as well as food, entertainment, and retail offers to add a celebratory element to the civic duty. Many of these deals required minimal participation, such as showing an "I Voted" sticker or using a specific promo code, making them widely accessible to the public. Consumers were advised to check with local participating locations for specific terms and availability.