Election Day in California has become associated with a variety of freebies and discounts offered by local and national businesses to encourage voter participation. These promotions typically require customers to present an "I Voted" sticker or use a specific password to redeem offers ranging from free food to discounted services. While these incentives are popular, state and federal officials have raised concerns regarding the legality of requiring proof of voting to receive a benefit.
The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available in California based on recent and historical data, the rules for redemption, and the legal context surrounding these promotions.
California-Based Restaurant and Retail Offers
Several restaurants and retailers in California offer specific deals on Election Day. These offers generally fall into two categories: free items with purchase, or discounts with proof of voting.
California Tortilla
California Tortilla offers a promotion where customers can receive free chips and queso with any purchase. To redeem this offer, customers must use one of the following secret passwords at participating locations: * "I vote for queso" * "Make queso great again" * "I'm with Queso"
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme offers a free doughnut at participating locations. Customers must show a valid "I Voted" sticker to receive one free doughnut of their choice. In previous years, select locations offered a star-shaped doughnut.
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s has historically offered a free scoop of ice cream at select locations. This offer is typically valid between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Election Day. Notably, Ben & Jerry's has structured this promotion to provide free scoops to all customers during the specified time window, rather than requiring proof of voting.
Groundwork Coffee
Groundwork Coffee offers a free 12-ounce cup of drip coffee on Election Day. This offer is also valid on the day following the election. Alternatively, customers can receive a dollar off any other coffee or tea.
Starbucks
Starbucks has offered complimentary 12-ounce cups of drip coffee at most locations. While the offer is generally extended to customers who state that they voted, it does not strictly require the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker.
Daily Grill
At most Daily Grill locations, customers can receive a free appetizer.
Pitfire Pizza
Pitfire Pizza offers a free bottle of Jones Soda or a draft beer at specific locations, including downtown Los Angeles and North Hollywood.
Cristophe Salons
Cristophe salons, located in areas such as Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, offer 50% off all salon services on Election Day.
Other California Retailers and Restaurants
- Bob Evans: Offers 30% off any dine-in or carryout order after 2:00 PM. A special coupon is required.
- Great American Cookies: Offers one free cookie with the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker.
- Lazy Dog Restaurants: Offers a free handcrafted nonalcoholic beverage with any entrée purchase when a "I Voted" sticker is shown.
- Johnny Rockets: Offers a free shake with any in-store purchase when proof of voting is shown (such as an "I Voted" sticker). This offer is not valid on Craig’s Vegan Shakes.
- Flat Top Grill and Genghis Grill: Both offer 20% off orders (in-store only, excludes alcohol) with a "I Voted" sticker.
- Hot Chicken Takeover: Offers 20% off orders (in-store only, excludes alcohol) with a "I Voted" sticker.
- Ikea: Offers a free frozen yogurt at participating Swedish bistros. A coupon from the Ikea website is required, and no purchase is necessary.
- Fresh Baguette: Offers a free mini pastry with any purchase.
- California Tortilla (DC Area): In addition to the chips and queso offer, some locations offer free tacos with any purchase.
Transportation and Travel Offers
Several transportation companies offer discounts or free services to facilitate travel to polling places on Election Day.
Lyft
Lyft offers a 50% discount on rides to the polls. To redeem this offer, users must use the promo code VOTE24 in the Lyft app on Election Day between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Uber
Uber offers an in-app feature to help users find their polling place and request a ride. First-time customers can use the promo code VOTETODAY for $20 off their first ride.
Zipcar
Zipcar has offered free vehicle use for members from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Election Day in an effort to #DRIVEtheVOTE.
Hertz
Hertz offers one rental day free (including Election Day) when a customer rents a car for at least two days. This is intended to help customers get to their polling places.
Legal Considerations and Restrictions
The legality of Election Day freebies is a subject of debate and concern among government officials. The central issue revolves around the concept of "incentives to vote."
Federal and State Laws
According to the California Secretary of State's office, offering incentives specifically for voting is generally considered illegal under federal law. Kate Folmar, a spokeswoman for the Secretary of State, noted that the law prohibits the "commercialization of the vote." Businesses are encouraged to offer incentives that do not require proof of voting.
Business Compliance
Many businesses attempt to navigate these legal restrictions by offering free items to all customers during specific hours (like Ben & Jerry’s) or by offering discounts that are not strictly contingent on a voting receipt. However, many other businesses continue to require the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker.
Official Stance
Government offices, including the Los Angeles County registrar’s office, emphasize that while they support civic engagement, they must adhere to legal guidelines regarding voting incentives. The "I Voted" sticker itself is provided by election officials to acknowledge participation but is not intended to be used as a currency for commercial discounts.
How to Redeem Offers
To successfully redeem Election Day freebies in California, consumers should follow these general steps:
- Locate a Polling Place: Use the Uber in-app feature or other official state resources to find where to vote.
- Obtain an "I Voted" Sticker: After casting a ballot at a polling station, voters typically receive a sticker.
- Visit Participating Locations: Go to participating businesses on Election Day.
- Present Proof or State Password: Show the "I Voted" sticker or state the specific password (e.g., for California Tortilla).
- Check Exclusions: Be aware that many discounts exclude alcohol or specific menu items (e.g., vegan shakes at Johnny Rockets).
Conclusion
Election Day in California offers a variety of freebies and discounts from businesses ranging from national doughnut chains to local coffee shops and transportation services. While these offers are designed to celebrate civic duty, consumers and businesses should be aware of the legal nuances regarding incentives to vote. Most offers are valid only on Election Day at participating locations and require the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker or the use of a specific promo code.