Election Day 2024 presented a unique opportunity for U.S. consumers to participate in their civic duty while potentially accessing a variety of complimentary products, discounted services, and special promotions. A common thread across many of these offers was the requirement to present an "I Voted" sticker as proof of visiting a polling place. This initiative, promoted by numerous national brands and local businesses, aimed to encourage voter turnout and celebrate democratic participation. The available offers spanned categories including food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment, with specific deals varying by brand and location. The following guide details the verified freebies and discounts that were available to voters on November 5, 2024, based on information from promotional news articles and deal websites. It is important to note that these offers were typically valid for one day only and required in-person verification at participating locations.
Food and Beverage Freebies
A significant number of dining and snack brands offered free items or discounts to customers presenting an "I Voted" sticker. These promotions ranged from complimentary doughnuts and coffee to percentage-based discounts on meals.
Krispy Kreme was one of the most widely publicized participants, offering a free Original Glazed doughnut to any guest who showed their "I Voted" sticker at participating U.S. shops on November 5, 2024. This promotion was available at all participating locations nationwide. Similarly, Johnny Rockets provided a free milkshake with any in-store purchase to customers who presented their sticker on Election Day.
For voters seeking a caffeine boost, Brooklyn Roasting Company offered a free cup of freshly brewed coffee at its New York City locations (Flushing Avenue, 1 Clinton St., Metropolitan Avenue, and the Strand Book Store at 828 Broadway in Manhattan) for anyone wearing an "I Voted" sticker through 7 p.m. on November 5. The company also ran a concurrent promotion for online shoppers, offering a buy-one-get-one 50% off deal on their "YES WE CAN" VOTE election blend coffee tins.
Several restaurant chains offered percentage-based discounts on meals. BD's Mongolian Grill, Flat Top Grill, Hot Chicken Takeover, and Genghis Grill each offered a 20% discount for voters who could show their "I Voted" sticker. Genghis Grill's discount was explicitly noted as excluding alcohol. Yogurtland provided a 15% discount on an in-store purchase at participating locations for customers showing their sticker on Election Day.
Other notable food and beverage offers included: * Chuck E. Cheese: Customers could buy 60 minutes of play and receive an additional 60 minutes free with a coupon available on ChuckECheese.com, valid only on November 5 at participating locations. Additionally, Bronze and Silver Fun Pass holders received a 50% discount on food and drink. * Dave & Buster's: The chain offered half-priced games on Election Day 2024. * IKEA: All customers were eligible for one free frozen yogurt at participating IKEA Swedish Bistros on November 5, 2024, with a coupon. * East Harlem Bottling Company: This craft brew purveyor in New York City gave one free beer to anyone showing an "I Voted" sticker on Election Day only. * Balcon Salon: In Hell's Kitchen, New York City, this venue hosted a free election watch party with free pizza and no cover charge.
Transportation Discounts
To help voters reach their polling places, major ride-sharing and mobility companies offered discounted rides on Election Day. These discounts were typically available through promo codes or special in-app features.
- Uber: Offered 50% off rides (up to a $10 discount) to polling locations. To access the discount, users needed to use the new "Go Vote" tile in the Uber app, which also helped find polling locations. This offer was valid for rideshare, bikeshare, or scooter rides from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Election Day. It was noted that this offer was not available in California or Georgia. Additionally, Uber offered 25% off all election night Uber Eats orders of $25 or more (up to a $15 discount).
- Lyft: Provided 50% off rides (up to a $10 discount) to polling locations using the promo code "VOTE24". The deal was valid for all rideshare, bikeshare, or scooter rides from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on voting election day.
- Lime: Offered free bike or electric scooter rides to voters through Election Day using the code "VOTE2024".
Entertainment and Other Services
Beyond food and transportation, some businesses offered entertainment and service-based freebies. These were often more localized but provided unique ways to celebrate Election Day.
- CycleBar: Select CycleBar locations in New York City (NoHo, UES, Williamsburg, NoMad, and Flatiron) offered a free workout class to individuals who sent a photo of themselves with their "I Voted" sticker via direct message or email to the respective studio.
- Fire Studio: This fitness outpost also offered a free workout class in exchange for a photo of an "I Voted" sticker.
- Free Pizza to the Polls: A separate initiative allowed individuals to report long lines at polling sites for a chance to have free pizza delivered to the location. This was not a direct-to-consumer freebie but a community support program.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While the listed offers were widely promoted, consumers should be aware of several important factors. First, all offers requiring an "I Voted" sticker were contingent on the individual having voted and obtained a sticker from their polling place. Second, most promotions were valid only on Election Day, November 5, 2024, and have since expired. Third, many deals were subject to availability and applied only at participating locations. For national chains, not all franchise locations necessarily participated in the promotion. It was always advisable to check with a specific store or restaurant before visiting. Finally, some offers, such as the Uber discount, had geographic restrictions (e.g., not available in California or Georgia).
Conclusion
Election Day 2024 was marked by a broad coalition of brands and businesses encouraging voter participation through tangible incentives. From free doughnuts and coffee to discounted rides and meals, the "I Voted" sticker served as a key to a variety of one-day perks. These promotions reflected a trend of corporate engagement in civic events, providing consumers with both practical and celebratory ways to mark the occasion. While these specific offers have expired, they illustrate the types of incentives that may be available during future election cycles. Consumers interested in similar promotions should monitor official brand announcements and reputable deal-tracking websites as future election days approach.