Election Day in Georgia has historically been associated with a variety of promotional offers, discounts, and free items designed to encourage voter participation. These incentives range from restaurant discounts and free food items to transportation services and community-led poll station support. However, the availability of these offers often intersects with state laws regarding gifts in exchange for voting, creating a complex environment for businesses and voters alike. Understanding the types of freebies available, the legal framework governing them, and the role of grassroots organizations is essential for Georgia residents seeking to take advantage of these opportunities while remaining compliant with election regulations.
Commercial Discounts and Free Food Offers
Numerous restaurants and businesses across Georgia have offered Election Day promotions, typically requiring proof of voting, such as an "I Voted" sticker. These offers vary by location and year, but they generally fall into categories of free food items, percentage discounts, or special menu items.
National Chain Promotions
Several national food chains have historically participated in Election Day promotions. Krispy Kreme has been a prominent participant, offering a free Original Glazed doughnut to any customer with an "I Voted" sticker. This offer is generally limited to one per person and does not require a purchase. Similarly, Chili's has offered a Presidente Margarita for $5 and a commemorative sticker, though availability is often while supplies last.
Delivery services have also joined these promotions. DoorDash has previously offered free delivery on orders with a minimum subtotal (e.g., $15) using a specific promo code such as "VOTE." Grubhub has offered various discounts accessible through the Perks tab in their app. McDonald's has offered promotions on new pastry items with the purchase of coffee, redeemable through their mobile app.
Other notable national offers have included: * Dunkin': Free medium hot or iced coffee for DD Perks members on specific dates following Election Day. * IKEA: Historically offered a free entrée to customers who showed an "I Voted" sticker at the bistro. * Johnny Rockets: Free shake with any in-store purchase (excludes vegan shakes), requiring the customer to mention the offer at the register. * Fazoli's: $2 off any signature bake menu item. * Yogurtland: 15% off total purchase with an "I Voted" sticker. * Dave & Buster's: Offers have included half-price games or appetizers.
Local Georgia Establishments
Atlanta-area restaurants have been particularly active in offering Election Day deals. Specific offers noted in previous election cycles include: * Whiskey Bird: A steak and fajita takeout special for Election Night, including multiple sides for a set price, and extended Happy Hour specials. * Storico Fresco: Half-priced cocktails on Election Day. * Little Spirit: A free "snaquiri" (bite-sized daiquiri) for customers presenting an "I Voted" sticker. * Krab Queenz: While typically closed on Tuesdays, this establishment has offered a 50% discount on daiquiris or shrimp plates on the Friday following Election Day with proof of voting.
Many local businesses also choose to close on Election Day to allow employees to vote, including Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Spiller Park Coffee, Nick’s Westside, Ben & Jerry’s, and numerous others. Some, such as Oz Pizza and Ticonderoga Club, have adjusted hours (e.g., closing at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.) rather than closing entirely.
Transportation and Access Services
Ensuring voters can reach the polls is a priority for several organizations, particularly those focused on voter mobilization. These services are generally offered free of charge.
New Georgia Project
The New Georgia Project (NGP) has provided free rides to the polls for the General Election. Their services have included: * Van Rides: Specifically for seniors in Metro Atlanta, available every day during early voting and on Election Day. Hours during early voting are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. * Lyft Rides: Available across the state on specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) during early voting and on Election Day, usually from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended to 7 p.m. on Election Day).
To request a ride, individuals are generally required to fill out an online form or call a designated hotline. Requests made during early voting typically require a minimum of 48 hours for processing.
Grassroots Poll Support and Community Initiatives
Beyond commercial offers, various grassroots initiatives in Georgia focus on providing sustenance and support to voters waiting in line at the polls. These efforts are often funded by donations and volunteer work.
Georgia 55 Project
Originating as #ProtestPizzaATL, the Georgia 55 Project is a grassroots coalition that provides snacks, water, and other food items to voters at polling locations throughout metro Atlanta. The project’s name references the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the 55,000-vote margin in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race.
The project partners with local restaurants and accepts donations via GoFundMe. After Election Day, leftover food and supplies are donated to community organizations such as the Free99Fridge, Covenant House youth shelter, Nicolas House, and local schools.
King Williams Initiative
Atlanta-based writer and filmmaker King Williams has led initiatives to distribute pizza and snacks in DeKalb and Clayton counties. This effort also aims to distribute masks to voters. Funds collected via CashApp or Venmo are used for these supplies, with any remaining funds donated to the Hosea Feed the Hungry program (Hosea Helps) and leftover supplies donated to the Atlanta Union Mission.
Chef-Led Meal Distribution
Chef Hugh Acheson (Empire State South, By George, Five & Ten), along with other chefs including Andy Gonzales, Chris Wilkins, and Rob Birdsong, planned to provide 2,000 meals to eight polling locations throughout Georgia on Election Day.
Corporate and Volunteer Support
- Georgia’s Own Credit Union: Partnered with Insomnia Cookies to deliver 2,020 free cookies to the polls on Election Day. The giveaway began at the Central Park Recreation Center in Old Fourth Ward. Volunteers monitored news and social media for reports of long lines to deliver cookies to those locations. Voters could also tag #GeorgiasOwnVote on social media.
- Moonbird Coffee: Distributed coffee and snacks at the polls and accepted snack donations at their Chamblee location before Election Day.
- Victory Brand Restaurants: Delivered 1,000 sandwiches to poll locations in Atlanta.
Legal Considerations Regarding Election Day Freebies
While the tradition of offering Election Day freebies is widespread, it operates within a specific legal framework in Georgia. Business owners and voters must be aware of these regulations to avoid unintentional violations.
Georgia Code on Voting Incentives
According to the Georgia Code, it is a felony to give away money or gifts in exchange for voting. The law states that a person cannot give away gifts or money to people just because they voted, regardless of whether the vote is for a specific candidate.
The "Gray Area" of Discounts
The application of this law to discounts on goods and services is not explicitly clear. The Secretary of State's office has described these actions as being in a "gray area" of the Georgia Code. The statute does not explicitly define whether a discount on an item (such as a 10% discount) constitutes a "gift" or "money" given in exchange for voting.
Business Perspectives
Business owners often view these promotions as civic engagement rather than election interference. For example, Joshua Brown, owner of The Clearance Warehouse in Ashburn, planned to offer a 10% discount to customers wearing "I'm a Georgia Voter" sticker, stating that the intent was to "plant the seed" of voting importance and honor those who fought for the right to vote. Despite these intentions, legal experts advise caution, as the law restricts actions that could be interpreted as incentivizing the act of voting itself.
Conclusion
Election Day in Georgia offers a unique intersection of civic duty and consumer incentives. From free doughnuts and discounted meals to free transportation and community-provided snacks, there are numerous ways for voters to access freebies and support services. However, the legal landscape regarding these offers is nuanced. While businesses aim to encourage participation, the Georgia Code strictly prohibits giving gifts or money in exchange for voting, creating a potential legal risk for certain types of promotions. Voters and businesses should remain aware of these regulations and prioritize verified information from official sources or established news reports when seeking or offering Election Day incentives.