The 2016 U.S. Presidential Election was marked by a notable tradition among businesses: the offering of free items and discounts to individuals who participated in the democratic process. This practice, often tied to the display of an "I Voted" sticker, provided a range of complimentary goods and services, primarily in the food and beverage sector. This article details the specific promotional offers available on Election Day 2016, drawing from verified sources and official communications from participating brands. The information is intended to inform consumers about the types of freebies that were available and the general conditions under which they were distributed.
The availability of these offers was typically limited to Election Day, November 8, 2016, and was contingent upon visiting participating locations. Many brands specified that offers were valid only while supplies lasted and required the customer to present an official "I Voted" sticker. In some cases, brands like Krispy Kreme explicitly stated that the sticker was not a mandatory requirement, though the offer was still intended for those who had voted. The geographic scope of these promotions was generally national, though participation could vary by individual store location.
A primary category of these promotions was free food and beverages. Coffee and donuts were particularly common, with several major chains offering complimentary items. 7-Eleven provided a free coffee or other hot beverage through its mobile app on Election Day. Krispy Kreme offered a free doughnut of choice at participating U.S. locations, with their official communication indicating that a sticker was not strictly required. Great American Cookies offered one free regular cookie at participating U.S. stores with the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker, while supplies lasted.
Other food and beverage promotions included a free medium drink at Firehouse Subs with a sticker, and a free medium 1-Topping pizza from Marco's Pizza. The Marco's Pizza offer was distributed via a voucher on their community blog, specifically for "those casting their vote for Marco's on Election Day." East Coast Wings & Grill offered 5 Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with an entree at locations in Wake Forest, Goldsboro, and Greenville. Caribou Coffee had a different type of offer: on November 11 (Veterans Day), they provided two medium handcrafted beverages for $6, two large drinks for $1 more, and any size brewed coffee for $1.50 all day, with no coupon required.
These offers highlight a broader marketing strategy where businesses leverage civic engagement to drive customer traffic. The promotions are simple, requiring minimal action from the consumer—typically just showing a sticker or mentioning participation. This creates a positive association between the act of voting and the brand, while also providing a tangible benefit to the consumer. It is important to note that all offers were subject to participation and availability. Consumers were advised to check with their local establishments for specific details and to confirm that their store was part of the promotion.
The sources for this information include official brand communications and news reports from the time. For instance, a list compiled by BrandEating and a report from WRAL both documented these offers, citing brand Facebook pages and official announcements. The Virginia Department of Elections archive and historical election database provide context on the 2016 election, including results for Tazewell County, Virginia, where Donald Trump won the Republican primary. While these election results are not directly related to the freebies, they underscore the broader event that prompted these consumer promotions.
In summary, the 2016 Election Day freebies were a concentrated effort by various brands to reward voter participation. The offers were predominantly in the food and beverage industry, providing items like coffee, donuts, cookies, pizza, and wings. The availability was conditional, often requiring an "I Voted" sticker and limited to participating locations. This practice represents a specific intersection of marketing and civic activity, offering consumers a small, complimentary item as a gesture of appreciation for their engagement in the electoral process.