Election Day in the United States often brings a unique array of promotional offers from brands seeking to engage consumers during this civic event. These incentives, ranging from free food to discounted services, are designed to acknowledge voter participation or simply capitalize on the heightened consumer activity surrounding the polls. While some deals require proof of voting, such as an "I Voted" sticker, others are available to all customers. The legal landscape surrounding these offers is nuanced; specifically, it is illegal under federal election law to provide free items conditioned on proof of voting when federal candidates are on the ballot. To navigate this, many companies structure their promotions to be available to anyone who requests them, regardless of voting status.
The 2024 Election Day continues this tradition, with a variety of national brands offering specials on November 5. These promotions span food and beverage, transportation, home goods, and entertainment. The following guide details the verified offers available to U.S. consumers based on current reporting.
Food and Beverage Promotions
Several major food and beverage chains have announced free items or discounts for Election Day. These offers vary in requirements, with some necessitating an "I Voted" sticker and others being universally available.
Krispy Kreme is participating in the 2024 election with a national giveaway. On November 5, participating U.S. shops will provide a free original glazed doughnut. This promotion does not require a purchase or proof of voting. Notably, the chain will also distribute "I Voted" stickers to individuals who voted early or via absentee ballot, ensuring they can participate in the visual aspect of Election Day freebies.
Johnny Rockets is offering a free milkshake with an in-store purchase at participating locations on Election Day. To redeem this offer, guests must mention the "Free Shake" offer at the register. While the 2024 report does not explicitly state a requirement for an "I Voted" sticker, previous years' promotions for this brand have utilized sticker verification.
Round Table Pizza, primarily located on the West Coast, is offering $6 off a large or extra-large pizza. This discount is valid for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery at participating locations.
IKEA is providing a free frozen yogurt to customers at participating U.S. locations on November 5. This offer requires the use of a specific coupon, which is available through the brand's promotional channels.
Shake Shack (referenced in 2018 data as a consistent participant) offered free fries with an order when an "I Voted" sticker was shown or a specific code ("ivoted") was used at checkout. While this specific code comes from 2018 reporting, it indicates a pattern of digital engagement that may continue in 2024.
California Tortilla (2018 data) provided a free order of chips and queso at all 50 locations for customers who said "I voted" at checkout. This type of verbal verification allows brands to offer incentives without strictly enforcing sticker requirements.
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (2018 data) offered $1 off a sub on Election Day.
Bobo's (2018 data) offered a free oat bar for customers who tagged the brand on social media using specific hashtags.
Chameleon Cold Brew (2018 data) provided a voucher for a free 10-ounce cold brew for customers posting a selfie with an "I Voted" sticker and tagging the brand.
Taco John's (2018 data) offered free chips and nacho cheese with any order placed on its app.
Black Seed Bagels (2018 data), located in New York City, offered a free cup of Stumptown coffee with any purchase and an "I Voted" sticker.
Toby's Estate (2018 data), also in NYC, offered $1 drip coffee at its locations.
Birch Coffee (2018 data), operating 10 locations in NYC, offered free drip coffee on Election Day.
LA Magazine (2018 data) reported on several Los Angeles bars offering specials, including Oldfields, Bigfoot Lodge, Bigfoot Lodge West, Harlowe, Sassafras, Idle Hour, Thirsty Crow, Highland Park Bowl, and La Cuevita.
Transportation and Travel Services
Assisting voters in getting to the polls is a common theme for transportation brands. Discounts and special rates are frequently offered on Election Day.
Uber and Lyft are both offering significant discounts for rides to polling places in 2024. Both companies are providing 50% off rides (up to $10) to and from polling locations on November 5. Uber is also integrating polling location finders into its app. Lyft has a long-standing history of this program, stating it has helped 3 million people get to the polls since launching the initiative. Lyft users can preload the ride code VOTE24 on or before November 5 to utilize the discount.
Uber Eats is offering 25% off orders of $25 or more, with a maximum discount of $15. This offer becomes available at 6:00 p.m. local time on November 5 and expires at 7:00 a.m. local time on November 6, catering to late-night election watch gatherings.
Hertz is participating with a "Drive the Vote" deal. Customers renting a car for two or more days between October 21 and November 5 receive one free day. This offer is designed to accommodate travel needs surrounding the election period.
Retail, Entertainment, and Miscellaneous Offers
Beyond food and transportation, other sectors offer Election Day incentives.
Chuck E. Cheese is offering a "buy one, get one free" deal on 60-minute all-you-can-play game passes. Additionally, Bronze and Silver Fun Pass holders will receive a one-day upgrade to Gold member food and beverage perks, which includes 50% off food and most drinks on Election Day.
Dave & Buster's is offering $5 beers and $5 late-night bites, appealing to those looking to watch election results in a social setting.
HeyDude is running an online-only promotion for 47 hours, allowing customers to "buy one, get one free" on shoes (effectively 50% off). This offer applies to purchasing either the left or right shoe to receive the other free.
Legal Considerations and Brand Strategies
The legality of Election Day freebies is a primary consideration for brands. As noted by Rick Hasen, a law professor at UC Irvine, offering free items based on proof of voting is illegal when federal candidates are on the ballot. This restriction is why many promotions are structured to be available to anyone, or they rely on social media tagging or app-based ordering rather than strict in-person sticker verification. Brands often navigate this by offering the perks to anyone who asks, rather than limiting them strictly to voters.
Conclusion
Election Day 2024 offers a diverse range of freebies and discounts from national brands. While food and beverage deals remain the most common, transportation discounts and entertainment offers are also prominent. Consumers should note that availability often depends on participation by specific locations, and many offers require specific actions such as mentioning a phrase, using a coupon, or showing an "I Voted" sticker. The legal framework surrounding these promotions ensures that most offers are accessible to the general public, regardless of voting status.