Election Day in the United States is often accompanied by a variety of promotional offers designed to encourage civic participation. Businesses ranging from national fast-food chains to local service providers frequently offer discounts, free items, or special deals to individuals who present an "I Voted" sticker. These promotions are typically available on Election Day or during the surrounding week. While many of these offers are national, local news outlets often curate lists of participating locations in specific regions, such as the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids. The following guide details the types of freebies and discounts available based on recent election cycles, including transportation deals, food and beverage offers, and wellness perks.
Transportation and Delivery Discounts
Getting to the polls is a primary concern for many voters, and several companies have historically offered discounted rides to polling locations. These offers are usually valid only on Election Day and require the use of specific promo codes or app features.
Rideshare Services
- Lyft: In previous election cycles, Lyft has offered up to 50 percent off a ride to the polling place, capped at a $10 discount. This offer is typically available only on Election Day.
- Uber: Uber has provided similar discounts, offering 50 percent off round-trip rides. The discount is usually capped at $7 each way or $14 for the round trip.
Food Delivery Services
Food delivery platforms often participate in Election Day promotions to facilitate convenience for voters. * DoorDash: This platform has offered free delivery on orders of $15 or more using the promo code VOTE. Additionally, DashPass subscribers have been eligible for an extra 10 percent off with the code DPVOTE. * GrubHub: GrubHub has provided various discounts through its "Perks" tab. * Red Lobster: Through GrubHub, Red Lobster has invited voters to order up to $25 worth of food for free.
Food and Beverage Offers
The most common category of Election Day freebies involves food and beverages. Participating brands range from donut shops and coffee chains to sandwich shops and burger joints.
Breakfast and Coffee
Starting the day with a free treat is a popular Election Day tradition. * Krispy Kreme: Voters can often obtain a free star-shaped donut at Krispy Kreme locations. * Starbucks: In some instances, Starbucks has offered a free cup of coffee to voters. This offer may rely on the honor system, meaning a sticker is not always required to claim the free coffee.
Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurants
Numerous fast-food chains offer free items or significant discounts with a purchase. * McDonald’s: This chain has historically offered a free pastry item with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee through their mobile app. This offer typically extends from Election Day through November 9. * Wendy’s: Voters have been able to get a free Classic Chicken Sandwich (valued at $4.99) with any purchase, provided they have the offer in the Wendy’s app. This offer usually runs through November 8. * Subway: For a limited time, Subway has offered a free footlong sandwich when a customer purchases two footlongs via the app or website. The offer applies only at participating locations, and the discount appears in the cart if the shop is participating.
Sandwich Shops
Several national sandwich chains offer rewards to loyalty members on Election Day. * Jimmy John’s: Freaky Fast Rewards members have received 50 percent off any 8-inch sandwich. Additionally, an ongoing deal through November 8 has offered buy-one-get-one 50 percent off on sandwiches of any size. * Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: CapAddicts reward app users have been able to purchase a small Bobbie Sandwich for $5. * Firehouse Subs: Loyalty members have earned double points on medium or large Hook & Ladder subs. * Jersey Mike’s Subs: This chain has offered $2 off any regular sub through November 6 for app orders using the code SANDDAY2OFF.
Wellness and Fitness Perks
In addition to food, some businesses offer services designed to help voters de-stress after the election process.
Fitness Centers
- Planet Fitness: This gym chain has offered free workouts and HydroMassage sessions to voters through November 8. They have also hosted special virtual workouts on Facebook on Election Day, offering "exercises and tips to de-stress after voting."
Local Deals and Regional Variations
While national brands offer standardized promotions, local businesses often create their own unique deals. Local news outlets, such as the Westword in Denver or sources covering Cedar Rapids, frequently compile lists of these regional offers.
- Cedar Rapids: Local reporting indicates that voters in the Cedar Rapids area have access to the national deals listed above, provided they visit participating locations.
- Quad Cities: While specific local deals for the Quad Cities were not detailed in the provided source material, the region typically sees participation from national chains.
- Hacienda Las Glorias: This specific establishment was noted as having posted a special offer for voters on social media, highlighting how local restaurants may announce deals independently.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking Election Day freebies, consumers should keep several factors in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
Availability and Participation
- Participating Locations: Most national offers are valid only at participating locations. It is recommended that consumers check with their local branch or verify participation through the brand's mobile app before visiting.
- Geographic Restrictions: Some offers may be limited to specific regions or states.
Redemption Requirements
- Proof of Voting: Many offers require the physical "I Voted" sticker. However, some businesses, like Starbucks in certain instances, have relied on the honor system.
- App Usage: A significant number of current promotions require customers to use the brand's official mobile app to access the offer or apply the discount.
- Purchase Requirements: Some freebies are "free with purchase," meaning a customer must buy another item to receive the free item.
Timing
- Election Day vs. Election Week: While many offers are valid only on Election Day, others extend through the following week (e.g., through November 8 or 9).
Conclusion
Election Day serves as an opportunity for businesses to engage with consumers and reward civic participation. The available freebies and discounts are diverse, covering transportation, food, and wellness services. Offers generally include free donuts and coffee, discounted rideshares to polling places, free delivery on food orders, and free items at fast-food chains with a purchase. To maximize these opportunities, consumers should verify that their local branches are participating, check app requirements, and retain their "I Voted" stickers.