Election Day in the United States has historically been a time when businesses extend special promotions to citizens participating in the democratic process. While federal law prohibits directly compensating individuals for voting, many companies offer discounts, free products, or other incentives that serve as promotional perks rather than direct rewards for casting a ballot. The 2016 election cycle featured a variety of such offers, ranging from food and beverage discounts to transportation credits, alongside educational mock elections designed to engage younger demographics in civic duties. This article examines the types of Election Day freebies available during that period, the eligibility requirements for accessing these promotions, and the broader context of civic engagement initiatives that accompanied the electoral process.
Overview of Election Day Promotions
During the 2016 election, numerous companies participated in promotional activities tied to Election Day, often leveraging the cultural significance of the event to drive customer engagement. These promotions were structured as standard business discounts or giveaways, ensuring compliance with legal standards that prohibit direct payment for voting. For instance, a 1950s diner-style chain offered customers one free shake with an in-store purchase on Election Day at participating locations. To redeem this offer, guests were required to provide proof that they had cast a vote, such as presenting an "I Voted" sticker. This approach framed the freebie as a customer appreciation gesture rather than a direct incentive for voting.
Similarly, other businesses joined in by providing tangible benefits to voters. Round Table Pizza, which operates over 400 locations primarily on the West Coast, promoted a $6 discount on large or extra-large pizzas for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery at participating outlets. This offer did not explicitly require proof of voting but was marketed in the context of Election Day, encouraging patrons to celebrate their civic participation. Additionally, a Swedish furniture retailer offered free frozen yogurt at select locations on Election Day, with a coupon available for redemption. These examples illustrate how brands integrated Election Day themes into their marketing strategies to attract foot traffic and build brand loyalty.
It is important to note that while these promotions were widely advertised, availability varied by location and was subject to participation rules set by individual businesses. Consumers were advised to verify offer details with local outlets before visiting. The legality of such promotions hinged on their classification as general discounts rather than direct rewards for voting, a distinction emphasized in reports on the topic. For example, the backlash against Elon Musk's 2022 $1 million sweepstakes for registered voters in swing states highlighted the legal risks of blurring these lines, underscoring why companies in 2016 carefully structured their offers as promotional perks.
Eligibility and Redemption Processes
Accessing Election Day freebies typically involved straightforward steps, but specific eligibility criteria depended on the promotion and the participating brand. For the diner-style chain's free shake offer, the primary requirement was an in-store purchase on Election Day, coupled with proof of voting. The acceptable proof included an "I Voted" sticker, which could be obtained by voting early or via absentee ballot, as the chain also distributed stickers to those who had already voted. This ensured that the promotion was accessible to a broad range of voters, including those who could not visit polling places on the day itself.
In the case of the Swedish furniture retailer's free frozen yogurt, redemption required obtaining a coupon, which was made available through a specified link or method (though the exact source was not detailed in the provided data). This coupon-based system is a common practice in retail promotions, allowing businesses to track redemption rates while providing a tangible incentive for customers. For Round Table Pizza's discount, no additional proof was mentioned beyond standard ordering procedures, suggesting it was applied automatically at participating locations for any customer ordering on Election Day.
General advice for consumers interested in such offers included checking local businesses for Election Day promotions, as many restaurants, bars, and retailers might have unannounced deals. While the data does not specify requirements for all promotions, it emphasizes the importance of verifying participation with local outlets, as not all locations within a chain may honor the offer. For instance, the furniture retailer's promotion was noted as available at "participating locations," implying that not every store would be involved. This variability highlights the need for consumers to plan ahead and confirm details to avoid disappointment.
The "I Voted" sticker played a central role in several promotions, serving as a visual symbol of civic participation. Beyond the diner chain, these stickers were also distributed during mock elections at schools, where students received them after casting simulated votes. This dual use—both in real elections and educational settings—reinforced the sticker's cultural value as a marker of engagement, even if the freebies were not directly tied to the act of voting itself.
Civic Engagement and Mock Elections
While commercial freebies targeted adult voters, parallel efforts focused on educating younger populations about the electoral process through mock elections. One notable example occurred at Woodland Hills Academy, a middle school in the San Fernando Valley, where sixth-grade students participated in a simulated election organized by U.S. history teacher Brian Simily. The event aimed to demonstrate the importance of voting to students who were not yet eligible to vote in real elections.
The mock election process mirrored real-world procedures: students registered to vote at a designated precinct within the school, waited in line, and cast their ballots on laptops using a form that listed Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as candidates. To enhance authenticity, "I Voted" stickers were distributed by eighth-grade volunteers like Xavier Rios, a 13-year-old student who had already participated in the morning session. Xavier and his friends favored Clinton, citing reasons such as support for abortion rights and gay marriage, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the student body. The school's demographics—comprising 571 Latino students, 126 white, 63 Asian/Pacific Islander/Filipino, 63 black, and three Native American students—added depth to the discussions, though political leanings varied.
The results of the mock election were Clinton with 442 votes (87.7%) and Trump with 62 votes (12.3%). This activity not only familiarized students with voting mechanics but also sparked conversations about political issues. Simily's involvement underscored the role of educators in fostering civic responsibility, even in communities where family voting habits might be inconsistent—Xavier noted that his mother did not plan to vote, for example. Such initiatives are valuable for building a foundation of informed participation, potentially influencing future voter turnout.
Broader Context of Election Day Activities
Election Day 2016 was not a federal holiday, though some states designated it as one, leading to closures of local government offices. Approximately 2,000 companies were part of the "Time to Vote" initiative, committing to ensure employees could vote by adjusting work schedules. However, fewer than half of U.S. states mandated paid time off for voting, prompting some employers to offer additional incentives like freebies to encourage ballot casting.
These promotions existed alongside efforts to address logistical barriers, such as discounted rides to polling places (though specific ride-share offers from 2016 were not detailed in the provided data). The emphasis was on making voting accessible and celebratory, without crossing into illegal territory. For consumers, this meant opportunities to enjoy free or discounted items while engaging in civic duties, but it also required awareness of local variations and legal boundaries.
In summary, the 2016 Election Day freebies exemplified how businesses and communities can support democratic participation through creative promotions and educational programs. From free shakes and pizza discounts to school-based mock elections, these initiatives highlighted the multifaceted nature of civic engagement.
Conclusion
The 2016 Election Day promotions and mock elections provided valuable opportunities for U.S. consumers to engage with the electoral process while enjoying tangible benefits from participating brands. By offering items like free shakes, pizza discounts, and frozen yogurt—often requiring proof of voting via "I Voted" stickers—businesses created promotional perks that encouraged civic participation without violating election laws. Meanwhile, educational mock elections, such as the one at Woodland Hills Academy, prepared younger generations for future voting by simulating real procedures and distributing stickers. For deal seekers and parents, these events underscored the importance of verifying local participation and planning ahead to maximize offers. Ultimately, such initiatives reinforce the cultural significance of Election Day, blending commerce with community engagement to foster a more informed and active electorate.