As the 2024 general election approaches on November 5, numerous businesses and transportation services across the United States are preparing to offer incentives to voters. These initiatives range from complimentary food and beverages to free rides to polling locations. The availability of these offers generally requires voters to present an "I Voted" sticker or utilize specific promo codes via mobile applications. This article details the verified freebies and discounts available to consumers who participate in the electoral process, based on current news reports and official transit announcements.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several restaurant chains and food vendors have announced promotions valid on Election Day. These offers typically require proof of voting, such as an "I Voted" sticker, or the use of specific digital codes.
National Chains * Krispy Kreme: Participating locations are offering a free doughnut to customers who present an "I Voted" sticker. * Great American Cookies: Voters can receive a free regular cookie. * Firehouse Subs: Customers with an "I Voted" sticker are eligible for a free medium drink. * Noodles & Company: The company is running a "vote for your favorite mac and cheese" campaign. Participants can print a coupon for a buy-one-get-one-free regular bowl after casting their virtual vote. * East Coast Wings and Grill: Voters can receive five free honey BBQ chicken wings with the purchase of an entree. * Chuck E. Cheese: A coupon code, 5253, is available for a free personal pepperoni pizza with any pizza purchase. * Bob Evans: Voters can receive a coupon for 30% off their entire order. In some reports, this discount is specified as valid after 2:00 PM. * Shake Shack: Customers can receive free fries with any purchase by showing an "I Voted" sticker or using the code "voted" in the restaurant’s app. * Hungry Howie’s: Voters can get a free medium one-topping pizza with the purchase of a large pizza using the code "SAVE18."
Regional and Local Offers * Mochinut: A free donut is available for anyone with an "I Voted" sticker. * Amy's Ice Creams: Customers receive a free topping or 'crush'n' treat with an "I Voted" sticker. * Lick Honest Ice Creams: A free topping is offered on ice cream purchases. * Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop: Customers in Austin receive $2 off meals. * Kerbey Lane Cafe: Customers at any location receive a free pancake on Election Day. * Austin Beerworks: Individuals aged 21 and older can enjoy a free beer at either location. * Ginger Monkey Tavern: Located in Chandler, this establishment offers an 18-cent drink (domestic draft beer or non-alcoholic beverage) for the first drink. * Twin Peaks: Offers a free order of chips and queso with the purchase of a beverage. * Bill's Bar and Burger: Located at the Westin Hotel in Pittsburgh, this venue offers a free milkshake to voters with an "I Voted" sticker.
Voter-Driven Initiatives * Pizza to the Polls: A grassroots initiative that delivers free pizza to polling locations with long lines. Voters can report a busy location by submitting a link from Twitter or Instagram showing the line, along with the address.
Digital Services and Retail Discounts
Beyond food, several service-based companies are offering incentives for Election Day.
- 7-Eleven: Voters can receive a free cup of coffee by downloading the store's app.
- GoTo Meeting: Users who sign up for the web conferencing service by Election Day can use it free for 30 days.
- Golds Gym: Exercising the right to vote grants access to free exercise at participating Golds Gym locations.
Transportation to the Polls
Recognizing that transportation can be a barrier to voting, various public transit agencies and rideshare companies are offering free or discounted rides on Election Day.
Public Transit Agencies * Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): Provides free transportation on all DART buses, trains, GoLink, the Dallas Streetcar, Paratransit Services, and the TRE (between EBJ Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station). Voters must show a valid voter registration card. GoLink users can use promo code VOTEPRES for a complimentary Adult Local Day Pass in the DART GoPass app. * Trinity Metro: Offers free rides on all local services, including buses, On-Demand rideshare services, TEXRail, and Trinity Railway Express stations in Tarrant County. Customers should notify their driver or conductor they are traveling to or from a voting location. * Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA): Provides free rides via train, bus, and GoZone on Election Day. * STAR Transit: Offers free round-trip rides to local polling places for early and Election Day voting. Free early voting service is available weekdays from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1, with additional Saturday service in specific areas. * Lime: The rental bike company is providing free shared bikes, e-bikes, and scooters for up to 30 minutes.
Rideshare Services * Uber: Offers discounted rides on Election Day. Users will see a "Go Vote!" or "Get to the Polls" button in the app, allowing them to book a ride to their nearest polling place for up to 50% off (up to $10 savings). Uber also offers a 25% discount on food orders on election night. * Lyft: Offers half-off rides for everyone and free rides for those in underserved communities. An access code is required, which can be obtained by entering a zip code via a provided link. * Zipcar: More than 7,000 cars are available free on Election Day to help voters get to the polls. Reservations must be made online or through the app.
Childcare Services
- YMCA: Locations will provide free child care while parents go to vote.
Conclusion
The availability of Election Day freebies and discounts is a widespread phenomenon involving national chains, local businesses, and public transportation systems. Most offers require physical proof of voting, such as an "I Voted" sticker, or digital verification through mobile apps and promo codes. While many food and beverage offers are national, others are regionally specific, particularly those in Texas and Arizona. Transportation incentives are largely organized at the local transit authority level, with rideshare companies offering supplemental discounts. Consumers interested in these offers should verify participation at specific locations and ensure they have the necessary proof of voting or digital codes prior to visiting.