Election Day Freebies and Voting Sticker Availability in Greenville, South Carolina

Election Day in the United States often brings a variety of promotional offers and community traditions aimed at encouraging civic participation. For consumers in Greenville, South Carolina, and across the state, recent developments have altered the availability of one long-standing tradition—the "I Voted" sticker—while various national brands continue to offer freebies to voters. This article examines the current landscape regarding voting stickers in South Carolina and outlines Election Day deals available to consumers who participate in the democratic process.

The Status of "I Voted" Stickers in South Carolina

For decades, voters in South Carolina received "I Voted" stickers distributed by the non-profit Palmetto Project. This organization provided these stickers to every voter in the state free of charge as a way to celebrate the right to vote. However, a change in state law has significantly impacted this tradition.

In 2022, South Carolina passed Act 150, which prohibits the State Election Commission and county boards of voter registration and elections from receiving, accepting, or expending gifts, donations, or funding from private individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, or any third party not provided through ordinary state or county appropriations.

As a result of this legislation, the Palmetto Project could no longer donate the stickers. According to Steve Skardon, President and CEO of the Palmetto Project, the organization emptied its warehouse of its remaining "I Voted" stickers and dispersed them evenly to all 46 counties. The organization also began mailing invoices to county elections offices for the stickers previously provided for free.

The State Election Commission has intervened to ensure continuity of the tradition. The agency paid $23,255.26 for stickers in the fall of 2023 and an additional $16,264 for a latest shipment. The State Election Commission stated it will print and provide its own stickers to county offices moving forward, though counties also have the option to purchase stickers from third-party vendors.

Reactions from county election officials have varied. Greenville County Elections Director Conway Belangia expressed willingness to pay the $400 requested for 83,000 stickers, noting that he could not buy them that cheaply otherwise. In contrast, Marion County Elections Director Teresa Moody indicated she planned to send the stickers back, stating that as long as the state election commission sends enough, the county won't have to worry about finding them.

While the Palmetto Project has emptied its warehouse of these stickers and can no longer distribute them for free, the tradition of providing "I Voted" stickers in South Carolina continues, now funded by taxpayer dollars through the State Election Commission.

Election Day Freebies and Deals

Despite the changes regarding voting stickers in South Carolina, Election Day remains a time when various businesses offer promotions to voters. These deals typically require customers to show proof of voting, often in the form of an "I Voted" sticker, though some offers operate on the honor system.

National Election Day Promotions

Several major chains have historically offered Election Day freebies. While specific offers may vary by year and location, the following types of promotions have been available:

Food and Beverage: - Krispy Kreme: Has offered free original glazed doughnuts to customers with an "I Voted" sticker. Notably, the brand has sometimes provided these without requiring proof of actual voting. - Chuck E. Cheese's: Has provided free personal pepperoni pizzas with the purchase of any other pizza when voters mention they voted or use a specific coupon code. - Firehouse Subs: Has offered free medium-sized drinks to customers showing an "I Voted" sticker. - Noodles and Company: Has run promotions where customers can vote for their favorite mac and cheese on the company website to receive a "Buy One, Get One" coupon, without requiring an "I Voted" sticker. - Schlotzsky's: Has offered "Buy One, Get One Free" coupons for mac and cheese with specific codes. - Johnny Rockets: Has provided free milkshakes with any in-store purchase to diners who mention the "free shake" offer. - Lazy Dog Restaurants: Has given free non-alcoholic drinks with entree purchases to diners with "I Voted" stickers.

Transportation: - Uber: Has offered $20 off rides for first-time riders using specific codes and has provided tools to help users find polling places. - Lime: Has allowed voters to take free scooter or bike rides to the polls by entering specific codes at checkout.

Other Services: - Bob Evans: Has offered 30% off entire dine-in or carryout orders with specific coupons. - IKEA: Bistros have offered free frozen yogurt to shoppers who present printed or electronic coupons. - YMCA: Has provided free child care services to parents needing to cast their ballots.

Accessibility and Requirements

The availability of these promotions often depends on several factors:

Proof of Voting: - Some offers strictly require an "I Voted" sticker as proof of participation. - Other promotions operate on the honor system, where customers simply need to mention they voted. - Certain deals require specific coupons or codes, either printed or electronic.

Geographic Availability: - While many chains offer these promotions nationwide, participation may vary by location. - Customers are generally advised to check with local establishments to confirm participation.

Timing: - Most Election Day deals are valid only on the actual Election Day. - Some promotions may extend through early voting periods or specific hours.

Purchase Requirements: - Some offers require a purchase (e.g., buying one item to get another free). - Others are completely free with no purchase necessary.

Consumer Guidance for Election Day

For consumers planning to vote and take advantage of Election Day promotions, several considerations may help maximize the experience:

Voting Preparation: - Confirm polling location and hours before Election Day. - Bring necessary identification as required by state law. - Be aware that "I Voted" stickers may be limited or unavailable in some South Carolina counties due to funding changes, though the State Election Commission is providing them.

Promotion Verification: - Check with local branches of participating chains to confirm they are honoring Election Day promotions. - Verify current coupon codes and expiration dates, as these may change year to year. - Understand that while some companies may offer free items without proof of voting, others maintain strict requirements.

Civic Participation: - The availability of freebies should not be the primary motivation for voting, but rather a celebration of civic duty. - Consumers should remain aware that Election Day promotions are marketing initiatives by businesses and not government-sponsored activities.

Conclusion

The landscape of Election Day traditions and promotions in Greenville, South Carolina, has shifted due to legislative changes. The Palmetto Project's decades-long tradition of donating "I Voted" stickers has ended, replaced by state-funded distribution through the State Election Commission. While this ensures voters will still receive stickers, it represents a significant change in how these civic symbols are funded and distributed.

Simultaneously, national businesses continue to offer Election Day freebies as a way to engage with voters and celebrate democratic participation. These promotions range from free food items to discounted services, typically requiring some form of voting verification.

For consumers, the key takeaways are: 1. "I Voted" stickers remain available in South Carolina, though now funded by taxpayers rather than private donations. 2. Various national chains offer Election Day promotions, though availability and requirements vary. 3. Consumers should verify promotion details with local establishments and understand that these are business initiatives, not government activities. 4. The primary focus of Election Day should remain on civic participation, with any freebies serving as secondary benefits.

As Election Day approaches, consumers in Greenville and throughout South Carolina can expect to receive their "I Voted" stickers at the polls and may also take advantage of promotional offers from participating businesses, maintaining the tradition of celebrating civic duty while enjoying the perks that businesses choose to offer.