Election Day in the United States has become a notable date for consumer promotions, with numerous national brands and local businesses offering free products, discounts, and special deals to encourage civic participation or simply to celebrate the democratic process. These offers vary widely, from complimentary food and beverages to discounted transportation services. While some promotions require customers to present an "I Voted" sticker or other proof of participation, many are available to all customers regardless of voting status, reflecting a broader sentiment of appreciation for the event. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the types of freebies and deals typically available on Election Day, based on information from reliable sources.
Food and Beverage Promotions
A significant portion of Election Day freebies centers on food and beverage offerings. Several major chains have historically provided complimentary items or discounts to customers.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme has consistently offered a popular Election Day promotion. The brand provides a free Original Glazed doughnut to all guests at participating U.S. shops. The company also distributes "I Voted" stickers while supplies last. According to a brand officer, the promotion is intended to celebrate participation in democracy. Notably, recipients are not required to prove they have cast a ballot to receive the free doughnut. Customers are advised to check with their local shop to confirm participation and availability.
Boston Market
Boston Market offered a free slider from its Late Night menu at all locations nationwide on Election Day. This promotion was available from 9 p.m. until closing and did not require a purchase. The Late Night menu includes flavors such as Chicken Cheddar, Turkey Cheddar, Chicken Chipotle, and BBQ Meatloaf.
Bobo’s
Bobo’s, a brand known for oat bars, provided 2,000 coupons for free oat bars on Election Day to individuals who voted. To receive a coupon, interested consumers were directed to fill out a form on the brand's website. The form included an optional request to share a photo of an "I Voted" sticker.
McDonald's
McDonald's offered a promotion through its app, allowing customers to receive a free pastry item with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee. This offer was valid once per day from Election Day through November 9. The pastry items included in the promotion were apple fritters, blueberry muffins, and cinnamon rolls.
Biggby Coffee
The Biggby Coffee chain offered a buy-one-get-one free deal or a $1 discount on any drink up to 24 ounces at participating locations.
Wawa
Wawa initiated a "Free Coffee Tuesdays" program starting on Election Day. Wawa Rewards members could receive a free self-serve hot beverage up to 24 ounces. New members needed to register by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be eligible for the initial offer. This promotion was scheduled to continue every Tuesday through November and December.
Enlightened
The Enlightened brand offered a coupon for free ice cream to anyone who mentioned the word "vote" and tagged @eatenlightened on Instagram stories on Election Day. This offer was available while supplies lasted, and one participant was randomly selected to win a year of free Enlightened desserts.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons Rewards members could receive one free dark roast coffee between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. EST through November 8.
Yogurtland
Participating Yogurtland locations offered a 15 percent discount to in-store customers who presented an "I Voted" sticker on Election Day.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets provided a free milkshake with any in-store purchase on Election Day to diners who mentioned the "free shake" offer.
Lazy Dog Restaurants
At Lazy Dog restaurants, diners with an "I Voted" sticker received a free non-alcoholic drink with an entree purchase.
Vitality Bowls
Vitality Bowls offered a 20 percent discount on all açaí bowls to customers who provided "proof of voting" at participating locations on Election Day.
Transportation and Ride-Share Offers
Getting to the polls is a key logistical aspect of Election Day, and several transportation companies have offered discounts and free services to facilitate this.
Lyft
Lyft offered a 50 percent discount on one ride up to $10 to any polling location or dropbox on Election Day. To use the discount, customers entered the code 2020VOTE. The offer also included Lyft's network of bikes and scooters in select cities.
Uber
Uber provided a 50 percent discount on roundtrip rides to the polls, up to $7 each way or a maximum of $14 for both trips. The discount was automatically applied when a ride was requested using the polling finder feature within the Uber app. It is important to note that this offer was not available in California and Michigan, and terms and conditions applied.
Hertz
Hertz offered a free day on rental cars booked for two or more days on the Monday or Tuesday of Election Day. The promotion was intended to allow renters to "perform their civic duty." This offer was valid at participating neighborhood locations and required a 24-hour advance reservation.
Lime
Lime provided free scooter or bike rides to the polls on Election Day. Users could enter the code VOTE2024 at checkout to redeem the offer.
Delivery App Discounts
On-demand delivery services also participated in Election Day promotions, offering fee waivers and discounts on orders.
DoorDash
DoorDash offered free delivery on all orders with a $15 minimum placed on Election Day using the promo code VOTE. For DashPass subscribers, who typically receive zero delivery fees on orders over $12, DoorDash provided a 10 percent discount on orders with the code DPVOTE.
Grubhub
Grubhub featured more than 30 discounts in the Perks tab of its app and the Seamless app. These discounts included offers for brands such as 7-Eleven, Burger King, and California Pizza Kitchen.
Poll Worker-Specific Offers
Recognizing the essential role of poll workers, several companies offered exclusive freebies and discounts to individuals working at polling locations.
CAVA and Zoës Kitchen
CAVA and Zoës Kitchen provided a free meal on Election Day to poll workers who presented a valid badge in person.
Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Chopt Creative Salad Co. offered a free meal to badged poll workers on Election Day.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack offered a free sandwich, including the Shackburger and the Chick’n Shack, to poll workers from Sunday through Election Day. This offer required proof of a poll worker badge and was only valid for in-person ordering.
Retail and Grocery Deals
Beyond food and transportation, some retail and grocery chains offered promotions on Election Day.
Smart & Final
The Smart & Final grocery store chain offered a 10 percent discount on an entire purchase with a coupon posted on social media through Election Day. Some exclusions applied, and there was a maximum discount of $50.
Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers offered a post-election deal for its loyalty program members. From Thursday through November 7, members could receive one free chocolate bar, while supplies lasted. Available brands included Alter Eco, Natural Grocers Brand, Chocolove, Endangered Species, and Theo Chocolate.
White Castle
White Castle offered $4 off orders of $20 or more, or $5 off orders of $30 or more in New Jersey and New York, through delivery apps like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates on Election Day. Additionally, White Castle closed all its locations from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to allow employees time to vote.
IKEA
IKEA offered a free frozen yogurt to shoppers on Election Day. While proof of voting was not required, customers had to present a printed or electronic coupon to receive the treat.
Conclusion
Election Day has evolved into a day marked by a diverse array of consumer promotions from national brands and local businesses. These offers, ranging from free food and beverages to discounted transportation and retail savings, reflect a broader cultural engagement with the democratic process. While some promotions are specifically for poll workers or require proof of voting, many are available to the general public. Consumers interested in taking advantage of these deals should always verify participation with their local establishments and be mindful of specific terms, conditions, and expiration dates associated with each offer.