Election Day in the United States often brings a variety of promotional offers from businesses aiming to reward civic participation. While federal law strictly prohibits offering incentives in exchange for a vote, many companies structure promotions to celebrate the act of voting or to facilitate transportation to the polls. Based on recent reports and official announcements, a range of discounts, free items, and service perks have been made available to voters, particularly in Illinois and across the nation. These offers typically require proof of voting, such as an "I Voted" sticker, or are simply available to anyone on Election Day.
It is important for consumers to note the legal distinctions surrounding these offers. Promotions that require proof of voting to receive a free item or discount can be legally contentious if they are perceived as inducing a vote. Consequently, some businesses have modified their offers to be available to all customers, regardless of voting status. For example, the Field Museum in Chicago originally offered free admission to those with an "I Voted" sticker but later changed the offer to be free for all Illinois residents. Similarly, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft emphasize that their discounted rides are intended to remove transportation barriers, not to induce voting.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several food and beverage chains have offered free items or discounts to voters on Election Day. These offers vary by location and often require the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker.
- Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme has historically offered free Original Glazed doughnuts to voters. In a specific instance, the offer was available at all participating U.S. shops with no purchase required. Notably, an earlier report indicated that voters did not need to show an "I Voted" sticker to redeem the donut, distinguishing it from other offers that require proof of voting.
- Popeyes: Popeyes offered a promotion where customers who purchased a chicken sandwich combo via their app or website could receive an additional chicken sandwich for free. This offer was valid through November 9th.
- Corner Bakery Cafe: Participating locations offered a free brewed or cold-brewed coffee to customers who presented an "I Voted" sticker.
- Capital One Cafe: Customers could receive a free drip coffee or tea until 5 PM on Election Day with proof of voting.
- Parsons Chicken and Fish: The Logan Square and Lincoln Park locations offered a one-cent shot to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker, limited to one per guest.
- Baked by Melissa: Customers visiting a physical store could get a free cupcake with their "I Voted" sticker. An online discount of 10 percent off was also available with the promo code IVOTED2018.
- California Tortilla: Customers who said "I voted" in-store could receive a free order of chips and queso with any purchase.
- Chameleon Cold-Brew: A voucher for a free 10-ounce Chameleon Cold-Brew was available to individuals who posted a selfie with their "I Voted" sticker on Instagram, tagging @ChameleonColdBrew and using the hashtag #FuelTheVote.
- Lemonade: The California-based chain offered a free lemonade with any purchase to customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker.
- Miller's Ale House: Participating locations offered a first beer for $1 to those who said they voted.
- Fatz Southern Kitchen: A free Fatz Famous Sweet Tea was available with the purchase of an entrée and an "I Voted" sticker.
- Bobo’s: This brand offered a coupon for a free vegan, gluten-free oat bar. To receive the coupon, consumers had to tag @eatbobos on social media and use #GetOatTheVote.
Transportation and Ride-Sharing Services
Getting to the polls is a key focus for many Election Day promotions. Several ride-sharing companies and local transit systems have offered free or discounted rides.
- Lyft: Lyft offered discounted rides on Election Day using the code VOTE22, providing 50% off or up to $10 off rideshares, bikes, or scooters.
- Uber: Uber partnered with organizations like #VoteTogether and Democracy Works to ensure transportation was not a barrier to reaching polling places.
- Getaround: A car-sharing service, Getaround offered $10 off Election Day bookings with the promo code GETAROUND2VOTE.
- Cycling Programs: The code BIKETOVOTE was valid for most Motivate programs, while Divvy used the code VOTE18. In Portland, BIKETOWN riders could use code BIKE2VOTE for 30 minutes of free ride time.
- Public Transit: Several municipal transit systems offered free fares on Election Day, including Los Angeles' Metro system, Columbia, South Carolina's COMET bus service, the Metro in Houston, and the Greensboro Transit Authority in North Carolina.
Other Services and Promotions
Beyond food and transportation, other types of businesses have offered perks for voters.
- Pizza to the Polls: This service delivers pizza to voters waiting in long lines at polling stations. Voters can report a long line via Instagram to @pizzatothepolls, prompting a delivery.
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: Showing a voting sticker earned customers $1 off any sub on Election Day.
- Jersey Mike's Subs: Coinciding with National Sandwich Day, Jersey Mike's offered $2 off any regular sub with a coupon distributed to email club members and posted on their Facebook page.
- Jimboy's Tacos: Celebrating National Nacho Day on Election Day, the chain offered Ground Beef Nachos for $5.50 at participating locations.
Legal Considerations for Voters and Businesses
The legality of Election Day freebies is a nuanced subject. Federal law, specifically 18 USC Sec. 597, prohibits any expenditure given in exchange for a vote. This means that a business cannot legally offer a free doughnut or discount because a person voted. The law is intended to prevent vote-buying.
To comply with the law, businesses often structure their promotions in specific ways. Some offer the deal to anyone who asks, regardless of whether they have a sticker. Others frame the offer as a celebration of civic duty in general, rather than a direct reward for the act of voting on that specific day. Ride-sharing companies explicitly state that their offers are not intended to induce voting but to remove transportation barriers. The Field Museum's change from a sticker-required offer to a free-for-all-Illinois-residents offer is a prime example of a business adapting its promotion to ensure legal compliance while still engaging with the election theme.
Conclusion
Election Day offers a unique opportunity for consumers to access freebies and discounts from a variety of national and local businesses. From free donuts and coffee to discounted rides to the polls, these promotions are designed to celebrate civic engagement. However, consumers should be aware that some offers require an "I Voted" sticker and that availability can vary by location. It is always advisable to check with a specific store or service provider before assuming an offer is valid. Furthermore, understanding the legal framework surrounding these promotions helps clarify why some offers are structured the way they are, ensuring that businesses can participate in the election day excitement without violating federal election laws.