Election Day 2020 saw a variety of businesses and organizations offering free products, discounts, and special deals to encourage civic participation. These offers targeted both voters and the poll workers who facilitate the voting process. The availability of these perks varied by location, brand, and eligibility requirements. Some promotions were available to anyone, while others required proof of voting or poll worker status. Understanding the specific terms of each offer was essential for consumers looking to take advantage of these opportunities.
The legal landscape surrounding Election Day promotions influenced how companies structured their offers. Corporate entities generally cannot legally require proof of voting to redeem a reward. As a result, many "I Voted" sticker promotions were open to everyone, regardless of whether they actually cast a ballot. In contrast, offers specifically for poll workers could legally require verification of their status. This distinction led to different types of promotions: those for the general public and those exclusively for election officials. The following sections detail the specific offers available, categorized by the recipient and the type of benefit provided.
Food and Beverage Offers for All Voters
Several food and beverage companies offered free items to all customers on Election Day. These promotions were often tied to the presence of an "I Voted" sticker, though some were available without any proof of participation.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme was one of the most prominent brands offering a nationwide deal. Participating shops gave away a free Original Glazed doughnut to all guests on Election Day. This offer did not require a purchase or the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker. The promotion was intended to celebrate voters and the democratic process, making it accessible to everyone. According to a company statement, "A healthy, vibrant democracy depends on engaged citizens who vote... We're happy to celebrate voters and our democracy by giving everyone a free Original Glazed doughnut on Election Day."
Fresh Baguette
Fresh Baguette, with locations in Georgetown, Bethesda, and Rockville, offered a free coffee and mini croissant to customers on Election Day. To redeem this offer, individuals needed to say "Vote" or show an "I Voted" sticker at participating locations. No purchase was necessary to receive the free items.
Chili's
Chili's offered a discounted beverage for Election Day. Customers could get a Presidente Margarita for $5. The chain also provided a commemorative sticker while supplies lasted. In addition to this offer, Chili's hosted a contest, with more details available on their website.
Baked by Melissa
Baked by Melissa provided a 10% discount on any purchase through November 3. This offer was available to all customers as part of the Election Day promotions.
Pieology
Pieology, a pizza chain, ran a "You Vote, You Pie" deal from November 1 to 3. This promotion allowed customers to order two customized 11-inch pizzas and a dessert to share for $20.20. The pricing was a nod to the year 2020.
Offers Requiring an "I Voted" Sticker
Many businesses used the "I Voted" sticker as a key to unlock special deals. These offers were typically available to anyone who had voted or claimed to have voted by displaying the sticker.
William Greenberg
William Greenberg offered a free cookie to customers who presented an "I Voted" sticker. This promotion was available from October 26 to November 5.
Edible Arrangements
Edible Arrangements provided a free treat with the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker. The offer was valid from October 26 to November 5.
SPIN
SPIN, a ping pong social club, offered a free hour of ping pong to individuals with an "I Voted" sticker on November 5 at their 48 E 23rd St location.
Atlas Brew Works
Atlas Brew Works in Washington, D.C., had a two-part offer. Customers could show their "I Voted" sticker on Election Day with a beer purchase to receive a free 5 or 7 oz. taster of select beer. Alternatively, individuals could tag @AtlasBrewWorks in an Instagram post showing their "I Voted" sticker to get a free koozie with all curbside pickup and delivery orders.
Ben’s Net Door
Ben’s Net Door offered a 10% discount on purchases to anyone who showed an "I Voted" sticker. This deal was valid from Election Day through November 8.
William Greenberg, Edible Arrangements, and SPIN
These New York-based businesses offered various freebies for sticker holders. William Greenberg provided a free cookie, Edible Arrangements gave a free treat, and SPIN offered a free hour of ping pong, all with a valid "I Voted" sticker.
Poll Worker Exclusive Offers
Because businesses can legally ask for proof of poll worker status, several chains offered exclusive deals for these essential election officials. These offers required verification, such as a poll worker badge or uniform.
Chopt
Chopt provided free meals to poll workers on Election Day. The offer was for a free in-store entree, with a value of up to $15. Poll workers were required to show proof of having worked the polls on November 3 to redeem the offer.
Dos Toros
Dos Toros, a Mexican restaurant chain, also offered free meals to poll workers. Similar to Chopt, poll workers could get a free in-store entree worth up to $15 by showing proof of their work on Election Day.
CAVA
CAVA, another restaurant chain, offered free meals to poll workers. The promotion required proof of poll worker status on November 3.
Food Delivery and Restaurant Deals
In addition to free food, several delivery services and restaurants offered discounts and special deals for Election Day.
DoorDash
DoorDash offered free delivery on all orders with a minimum of $15 placed on Election Day. Customers had to use the promo code VOTE to redeem the offer.
Grubhub
Grubhub provided more than 30 discounts in the Perks tab of the Grubhub and Seamless apps. These discounts were available to users during the election period.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s ran a promotion from Election Day through November 9. Customers could get free pastry items with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee through the McDonald’s app. The offer could be used once per day.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' offered a free medium hot or iced coffee to members of its DD Perks loyalty program. This deal was part of "Free Coffee Wednesdays" and was available on Wednesdays through December 23, starting the Wednesday after Election Day.
Transportation and Travel Offers
Several companies offered deals to help people get to the polls or travel on Election Day.
Uber
Uber offered a 50% discount on roundtrip rides to the polls. Customers could use the promo code "2020 vote" to access this deal.
Lyft
Lyft also provided a 50% discount on rides to the polls using the promo code "2020 vote."
Hertz
Hertz offered a free day on car rentals for customers who booked at least two days or more. This promotion was intended to help people travel to perform their civic duty.
Non-Profit and Community Initiatives
Beyond corporate offers, non-profit organizations played a role in providing free items to voters, particularly those waiting in long lines.
Pizza to the Polls
Pizza to the Polls is a non-profit organization that delivers free pizza and other treats to polling places with long lines. The group started in 2016 and has since expanded its operations. For Election Day 2020, Pizza to the Polls partnered with Uber Eats in 29 cities to deploy food trucks to polling sites with significant wait times. The organization accepts reports of long lines through its website and dispatches food accordingly.
Fitness and Wellness Offers
Some fitness studios offered free classes to encourage community engagement on Election Day.
Cycle Bar NYC
Cycle Bar NYC offered a free workout class. To redeem, participants had to send a direct message to the company on social media with a picture of themselves wearing an "I Voted" sticker. This offer was available at multiple locations, including NoHo, UES, WBRG, NoMad, and Flatiron.
Fire Studio
Fire Studio also offered a free workout class, though specific details on how to redeem were not provided in the source material.
Alcohol-Related Promotions
Several businesses offered alcohol-related deals, either as a direct purchase incentive or a discount.
All Purpose and D.C. Brau
All Purpose and D.C. Brau collaborated on a promotion where customers could order a $20 pizza and get a 16 oz. can of DC Brau VOTE Kristallweizen for an additional 20 cents. The total cost was $20.20. This offer was valid for takeout or delivery at their Capitol Riverfront and Shaw locations through Election Day.
Chili’s
As mentioned earlier, Chili’s offered Presidente Margaritas for $5. This was a discounted beverage option available during the election period.
Conclusion
The 2020 Election Day saw a wide array of freebies and deals from businesses across the country. These promotions ranged from free doughnuts and pizza to discounted rides and free workout classes. The offers were generally divided into two categories: those available to the general public (often requiring an "I Voted" sticker) and those exclusively for poll workers (requiring proof of status). Non-profit organizations like Pizza to the Polls also contributed by providing food to voters in long lines. Consumers were advised to check specific terms and conditions, as offers varied by location and availability.