Election Day Freebies and Discounts in Columbus, Ohio: A Guide to Voting Perks

Election Day in Columbus, Ohio, offers residents not only the opportunity to participate in civic duty but also access to a variety of freebies and discounts from local and national businesses. These incentives, often tied to presenting an "I Voted" sticker, are available on November 5, 2024, and include food, beverages, transportation, and other services. The offers vary by location and participating business, with many extending beyond Columbus to other parts of Ohio and the United States. This guide compiles verified details from reliable sources, focusing on Columbus-specific opportunities while also noting broader Election Day deals relevant to U.S. consumers. All information is drawn exclusively from the provided source materials, ensuring accuracy and avoiding speculation.

Local Columbus Offers

Several businesses in central Ohio are providing exclusive discounts and freebies to voters who present their "I Voted" sticker on Election Day. These offers are concentrated in Columbus and surrounding areas like Dublin, Hilliard, New Albany, and German Village.

Hot Chicken Takeover: Locations around central Ohio offer 20% off dine-in orders for customers showing a voting sticker. This discount applies to in-store dining only.
The Cheesecake Girl: A free mini cheesecake is available to anyone with a voting sticker. Participating locations are in Dublin, Hilliard, New Albany, Italian Village, and the Wexner Medical Center.
BD’s Mongolian Grill: This chain provides 20% off orders for voters displaying their sticker.
Stauf’s Coffee Roasters: All locations in Grandview Heights, German Village, Victorian Village, and North Market Downtown will upgrade drinks for free with a voting sticker.
Suzi-Cue Pool Hall: Located at 1950 N. Fourth St. in the University District, this venue offers $1 off cocktails and $1 Q Brews (from Homestead Beer Co.) to customers wearing a voting sticker.

These Columbus-specific deals emphasize food and beverage perks, making them ideal for voters seeking a post-poll treat. Availability is subject to supplies and participation, so checking with individual locations is recommended.

National Chain Offers Available in Ohio and Beyond

In addition to local Columbus businesses, several national chains are participating in Election Day promotions, many of which are accessible in Ohio cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Greater Columbus, as well as other states.

Krispy Kreme: Customers nationwide can get a free original glazed doughnut at participating locations while supplies last. No purchase or proof of voting is required, though the company also provides "I Voted" stickers for those who voted early or by mail. This offer is part of their "DOUGHmocracy" campaign.
Fazoli’s: This Italian restaurant chain offers $2 off signature baked menu items, including chicken Parmigiano, loaded baked spaghetti, and spicy baked ziti with Italian sausage, at participating in-store locations. The deal is valid on November 5.
BrewDog: On Election Day, BrewDog locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Greater Columbus (Ohio), and Atlanta, Georgia, sell a can of Punk IPA for $2.70, referencing the number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
Dave & Buster’s: Offering $5 beers all day on November 5 at participating locations.
Edible: Participating stores provide a free treat to customers who show an "I Voted" sticker, valid through November 5.
Flat Top Grill: This chain offers 20% off the in-store tab (excluding alcohol) for those with a voting sticker.
Johnny Rockets: Patrons who mention the "Free Shake" offer at the register on November 5 receive a free non-vegan milkshake with any in-store purchase.
Junior’s Restaurant & Cheesecake: Based in Brooklyn, New York, this eatery offers half off cheesecake slices with any entree, $5 off whole cakes in-restaurant, and $7 off all cakes online through November 7 to help with Election Day stress.
GourmetGiftBaskets.com: TODAY.com readers can save 20% on gift baskets using the code VOTETODAY through November 30.

These national offers provide broader access, especially for voters outside central Ohio. Terms may vary, such as requiring in-store visits or specific purchases.

Transportation and Service Discounts

Election Day freebies extend beyond food to include transportation services, helping voters reach polling places affordably. These deals are available on November 5, 2024, and often require pre-registration or code activation.

Uber: Offers 50% off rides to polling places (up to $10) and helps users find the nearest poll via the app. Additionally, Uber Eats provides 25% off orders up to $15 with a $25 minimum, available from 6 p.m. local time on November 5 to 7 a.m. on November 6.
Lyft: Provides a 50% discount (up to $10) on rides to the polls. Users must preload the ride code VOTE24 on or before November 5 to redeem.
Lime: The e-bike and e-scooter company offers a free 30-minute ride to and from polling places from October 29 through November 5 using the code VOTE2024.
Hertz: Car rental company offers one free day on Election Day when renting a vehicle for at least two days.

These services prioritize accessibility, particularly for those without personal transportation, and align with efforts to encourage voter turnout.

Election Day Context and Logistics in Ohio

Understanding the logistics of voting in Ohio is essential for taking advantage of these offers. Election Day 2024 in Ohio is November 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters can participate in early in-person voting until 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the day before (November 4), with no voting on November 3. Absentee ballot requests were due by October 28; mailed ballots must be postmarked by the day before Election Day and received by November 9. Ballots dropped off at county boards of elections must be submitted by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

Key races and issues on the ballot include Columbus school board (six candidates for three seats), Columbus City Council District 7 (Tiara Ross vs. Jesse Vogel), and various municipal races in Dublin, Grove City, and Reynoldsburg. Major issues include the Franklin County ADAMH levy, a $1.9 billion bond package for Columbus, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium levy. Results will be available on Dispatch.com on election night.

Lack of transportation is a noted barrier to voting, but the aforementioned ride discounts address this. No early voting is available on Monday, November 3, and absentee ballots are no longer requestable.

Broader Election Day Deals Across the U.S.

While this guide focuses on Columbus, many deals are national or available in multiple states, benefiting U.S. consumers broadly. Businesses like Krispy Kreme, Fazoli’s, and Dave & Buster’s extend offers beyond Ohio, while services like Uber and Lyft operate nationwide. These promotions are not tied to political affiliation but simply to the act of voting, reinforcing civic engagement. For pet owners, parents, or health-conscious individuals, food and beverage deals dominate, though no specific baby care, pet food, health, or household goods samples are mentioned in the provided sources. Deal seekers should note that most offers are valid only on November 5, and supplies may be limited.

Conclusion

Election Day 2024 in Columbus, Ohio, combines civic responsibility with tangible benefits, from free cheesecakes and doughnuts to discounted rides and meals. Local businesses like Hot Chicken Takeover and The Cheesecake Girl offer central Ohio voters targeted perks, while national chains like Krispy Kreme and Fazoli’s provide wider access. Transportation discounts from Uber, Lyft, and Lime further support voter turnout. With polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 5 and key races on the ballot, voters can maximize these opportunities by planning ahead and verifying participation with local outlets. These offers underscore the value of voting, rewarding participants without regard to political views.