Election Day on November 8, 2016, offered Florida voters a variety of freebies and discounts as a reward for participating in the civic process. Many national and regional brands provided incentives to encourage voter turnout, often requiring proof of voting such as an "I Voted" sticker or a ballot stub. The offers ranged from complimentary food and beverages to discounts on purchases and services. This article details the specific freebies and deals available to Florida voters on that date, based on information from contemporary reports.
The promotions were largely concentrated in the food and beverage sector, with several major chains participating. Eligibility for most offers was contingent upon presenting an "I Voted" sticker at the point of sale or mentioning the act of voting to a server. Some deals were available exclusively through mobile applications, while others required a purchase or were valid only at specific participating locations. Consumers were advised to confirm with their local outlets before assuming participation.
Food and Beverage Offers
A significant number of restaurants and food retailers offered free items or discounts to voters on November 8, 2016. These promotions were designed to make Election Day a more rewarding experience for those who cast their ballots.
Doughnuts and Coffee
Krispy Kreme was a prominent participant, offering a free doughnut of the customer's choice at participating locations upon presentation of an "I Voted" sticker. This offer was available nationwide, including Florida locations.
7-Eleven provided a free any-size coffee to customers who downloaded the 7-Eleven mobile app and scanned the 7Rewards barcode at checkout. This promotion was limited to one free cup per customer and was valid on Election Day.
Honeybee Doughnuts offered a free "Election Glazed," Buttermilk Glazed, or Pumpkin Spice doughnut to any voter with an "I Voted" sticker.
Burgers and Sandwiches
BurgerFi offered a $5 Conflicted Burger, which typically sold for $8 or $9, to customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker. This deal was limited to one per customer and was valid at participating locations.
Firehouse Subs provided a free medium drink to customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker on November 8. This offer was valid at participating restaurants.
Bob Evans offered 30 percent off the entire check for dine-in or carryout orders placed after 2 p.m. on Election Day. A special coupon was required for this promotion.
Smashburger ran a promotion where customers could buy one entrée and get one free with a coupon. This deal was valid until November 10, 2016.
California Pizza Kitchen offered a $5 discount and a free small plate to customers who signed up for CPK Rewards. The offer required accumulating points through purchases.
Carl’s Jr. offered a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Famous Star, or Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich to new members of their rewards program who spent a minimum of $1.
Pizza
Marco's Pizza provided vouchers for free pizza on November 8 for those who voted. The specific process for obtaining or redeeming these vouchers was not detailed in the source material.
Chuck E. Cheese offered a free personal pepperoni pizza with any pizza purchase. Customers could use coupon code #5253 or simply inform the cashier that they had voted.
Mexican Food and Other Restaurants
California Tortilla offered free chips and queso with any purchase on November 8. To receive the offer, customers had to say one of three "passwords" related to the election: "I vote for queso," "Make queso great again," or "I'm with Queso." This promotion was available at locations in the Northeast and Florida.
Tijuana Flats provided a free side of guacamole, salsa, or queso to customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker.
Duffy’s Sports Grill, a chain in the swing state of Florida, gave customers a free order of red velvet mini donuts with any meal purchase on Election Day. Customers needed to show their "I Voted" sticker or mention that they voted.
East Coast Wings & Grill offered five free HBBQ wings on Election Day with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Great American Cookies offered one free regular cookie to customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker at participating stores. No purchase was necessary for this offer.
Village Inn provided a free slice of pie with the purchase of an adult entree, valid with a coupon until November 9, 2016.
Bahama Breeze offered $10 off a $30 purchase with a coupon, valid until November 8.
Church’s Chicken offered a seven-piece mixed chicken, large side, and four biscuits for $8.99 with a coupon, valid until November 8.
Eleni’s New York offered 10 percent off all election-themed bakery sweets with promo code ELECTION2016 until November 8.
World of Beer offered the first pint for $1 on Election Day. Customers were required to mention the offer to their server.
Bodega in South Beach offered a free shot of tequila to voters.
Bagatelle Miami Beach offered one free hibiscus champagne cocktail after voting, requiring an "I Voted" sticker or bracelet.
E11even offered a complimentary sponsored open bar from 8 to 9 p.m. to customers who showed an "I Voted" sticker.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food and beverage, a few other businesses offered promotions for voters.
Gold’s Gym offered a free visit to its nationwide locations to individuals with a voter registration card or an "I Voted" sticker.
Puritan’s Pride offered 15 percent off any one Puritan’s Pride brand item with promo code ELECT16, valid until November 9, 2016.
Transportation Offers
Transportation services also joined in to facilitate getting to the polls.
Lyft, in cooperation with VotoLatino.org, offered free rides to the polls on its app. Additionally, Lyft offered a 45 percent discount on one ride between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Uber provided an in-app feature to help users find their polling place and request a ride. First-time customers could use the promo code VOTETODAY for $20 off their first ride.
Zipcar offered free use of more than 7,000 Zipcar vehicles for members from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Election Day as part of an effort to #DRIVEtheVOTE.
Civic and Community Offers
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts offered free coffee for early voters in Miami-Dade County.
YMCAs in some areas offered free access to their facilities for voters, though some locations required a nominal fee or donation. Consumers were advised to contact their local YMCA to confirm participation.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While the offers listed were reported as available on November 8, 2016, consumers were strongly encouraged to verify the details before visiting a participating location. Key considerations included:
- Participating Locations: Not all locations of a national chain may have participated in the promotions. Confirming with the local outlet was recommended.
- Proof of Voting: Most offers required an "I Voted" sticker or, in some cases, a ballot stub or verbal confirmation. It was important to have this ready.
- Coupon Codes and App Requirements: Some deals required specific coupon codes, mobile app downloads, or sign-ups for rewards programs. These steps often needed to be completed in advance.
- Expiration Dates: Many offers were valid only on November 8, 2016, while some extended for a day or two after. Checking the validity period was essential.
- Purchase Requirements: Some promotions, such as free chips and queso at California Tortilla or free mini donuts at Duffy's, required a purchase. Others, like the free cookie at Great American Cookies, did not.
By being prepared and verifying the terms of each promotion, Florida voters could take full advantage of the freebies and discounts offered on Election Day 2016.