The 2016 election cycle featured numerous promotional offers from businesses seeking to engage voters on Election Day. A review of available information indicates that restaurants, cafes, and bars in Maine and surrounding areas offered various freebies, discounts, and special menu items to customers who presented "I Voted" stickers. These promotions ranged from complimentary cookies and doughnuts to discounted cocktails and buy-one-get-one food deals. While many of these offers were specific to certain geographic locations, such as Boston, Massachusetts, others extended to businesses in Maine, reflecting a broader trend of commercial participation in the democratic process.
Overview of Election Day Promotions
Election Day promotions typically aim to increase foot traffic and foster community engagement. In 2016, businesses utilized "I Voted" stickers as a proof of participation to unlock specific deals. The nature of these offers varied significantly, from no-purchase-necessary free items to discounts on alcoholic beverages and food. It is important for consumers to note that most of these promotions were valid only on Election Day and often applied only at participating locations. The specific terms, including age restrictions for alcohol-related offers, were determined by individual establishments.
Maine-Based and Regional Offers
Cliff House Maine
Located in Cape Neddick, Maine, the Cliff House Maine resort participated in Election Day 2016 promotions with a "Vote for Cocktails" special. The offer was available in the resort's two restaurants: The Tiller Restaurant and Nub's Lobster Shack. Customers who showed their "I Voted" sticker received a 45 percent discount on cocktails. This discount was a nod to the election of the 45th president. The promotion included special cocktails such as The Cobbler, which featured Manzanilla Sherry, Maine blueberry-infused Dolin Blanc, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, local blueberries, and mint. The offer was valid on election night.
Cobblestone Café
The Cobblestone Café, a North End eatery in Boston, offered a buy one, get one free sandwich deal to customers who presented their "I Voted" sticker. This promotion was valid from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Election Day. Restrictions included one deal per customer and validity for dine-in only.
Omni Parker House and Omni Mount Washington Resort
The Omni Parker House in Boston and the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, offered a complimentary appetizer to customers who ordered a cocktail from the "Polling for Cocktails" menu and showed their "I Voted" sticker. The themed cocktail menu included items such as the Trump-tini (Tito's Handmade Vodka, lemon and cranberry juices, Domaine Chandon Brut, and a sugared rim) and the Hilla-rita (DeKuyper Amaretto, Generaciones Reposado, fresh orange and lime juices, agave nectar, and a sugar and salt rim).
Food and Beverage Offers
Cookies and Doughnuts
Several establishments offered free cookies or doughnuts to voters. Great American Cookies provided a free chocolate chip cookie with no purchase necessary. Liquid Art House in the Back Bay offered complimentary fresh-baked homemade cookies with an "I Voted" theme. Customers did not need to order food or drink to receive the cookies. Similarly, Ester in Dorchester provided a complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie after dinner for customers showing their sticker. Pauli’s, a North End sandwich shop, offered a free cookie (oatmeal, chocolate chip, sugar) or a double chocolate chip brownie with an order, provided the customer wore an "I Voted" sticker.
Blackbird Doughnuts in the South End of Boston offered a free mini doughnut on Election Day to customers who voted. The shop was noted for being proactive during the election season on social media, educating voters on where and how to vote.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol-related promotions were common, often requiring customers to be of legal drinking age. Chili's Grill & Bar offered $5 "Presidente Margaritas" all day at participating locations for customers aged 21 and older. Brass Union, a restaurant in the former Somerville Police Headquarters, provided swag such as branded T-shirts from Captain Morgan Rum and a Captain-based drink to sticker-wearers on election night. The establishment also featured a trio of Captain Morgan-based cocktail specials: the Bye Obama, Air Force Rum, and Running Mate.
Ester offered a "consolingly comforting supper with a liberal glass of wine or an independently cold beer for a historic $20.16." The restaurant also featured a special cocktail, the "Too Close to Call," made with spicy Tequila and cayenne pepper.
Other Food Deals
Boston Market offered an individual half-chicken meal with two sides, cornbread, a regular beverage, and a cookie for $10.40 on Tax Day, though this specific offer was related to tax deadlines rather than Election Day. However, the context of restaurant promotions is relevant. Chuck E. Cheese's offered a second large cheese pizza free when customers purchased a large "thin and crispy" pizza.
Brass Union offered a gift basket "filled with items designed to celebrate a win or to drown one’s sorrows" to one voter from each ballot box at 9 p.m.
Eligibility and Participation Rules
Participation in these promotions generally required the presentation of a valid "I Voted" sticker. The stickers are issued at polling places upon voting. Some offers had specific eligibility criteria:
- Age Restrictions: Offers involving alcoholic beverages, such as those at Chili's and Brass Union, were restricted to customers aged 21 and older.
- Time Restrictions: Some deals were valid only during specific hours, such as the Cobblestone Café's 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. window.
- Location Restrictions: Offers were often limited to participating locations. For example, the Omni Hotels offer was specific to the Omni Parker House and Omni Mount Washington Resort.
- Purchase Requirements: Some offers required a purchase (e.g., Pauli's required an order to receive a free cookie), while others did not (e.g., Great American Cookies and Liquid Art House).
- One-Per-Customer Limits: Establishments like Cobblestone Café enforced one deal per customer.
Tax Day Deals (Contextual Reference)
While the primary focus is Election Day, the source material also references Tax Day deals from 2016. These included offers such as Bruegger's "big bagel bundle" for $10.40 (requiring a coupon from their website) and free cookies or discounted meals from other chains. Although not directly related to voting, these promotions demonstrate a broader pattern of businesses offering incentives on specific national days. The Tax Day deadline in 2016 was April 18, with extensions for residents of Massachusetts and Maine due to a holiday.
Consumer Considerations
Consumers interested in such promotions should be aware of several factors:
- Verification: The "I Voted" sticker is the primary method of verification. Voters must physically visit a polling place to receive one.
- Availability: Promotions are subject to availability and may vary by location. It is advisable to check with the specific establishment beforehand.
- Terms and Conditions: All offers are subject to the fine print, including restrictions on alcohol, food allergens, and purchase minimums.
- Source Reliability: Information regarding these promotions was often disseminated through news articles and social media. Consumers should rely on official business websites or direct communication for the most accurate details.
Conclusion
Election Day 2016 saw a variety of businesses in Maine and across the United States offering freebies and discounts to encourage civic participation. From free cookies and doughnuts to discounted cocktails and appetizers, these promotions provided voters with tangible rewards for casting their ballots. The Cliff House Maine and various Boston-area establishments were among those participating. While these specific offers expired in 2016, they illustrate a recurring trend of businesses engaging with the electoral process through promotional activities. Consumers looking for similar future offers should monitor local news and business social media channels leading up to election cycles.