Election Day 2016 presented a unique opportunity for U.S. consumers, with numerous brands and businesses offering free products, discounts, and special services to those who cast their ballots. These promotions spanned a variety of categories, including food and beverage, retail, and community services, often requiring simple proof of civic participation such as an "I Voted" sticker or mention of the election at the point of sale. This guide compiles the verified freebies and deals available on November 8, 2016, based on information from multiple deal-focused sources and brand announcements.
The offers detailed below were largely time-sensitive, valid only on Election Day, and subject to location-specific participation and availability. While many deals were national, some were regional or required specific actions, such as downloading a mobile app or making a purchase. It is important to note that all information is presented as it was reported in 2016 and should not be considered current.
Food and Beverage Freebies
A significant portion of the Election Day promotions were centered on food and drink, with national chains and local restaurants participating. These offers often served as a treat for voters after they completed their civic duty.
Krispy Kreme
One of the most widely advertised freebies was from Krispy Kreme. Participating shops offered a free doughnut of choice on Election Day, November 8, 2016. According to the sources, no coupon or "I Voted" sticker was required to redeem this offer. However, it was noted that not all locations were participating. Specific locations that were excluded from the promotion included those in Alaska (Anchorage); Alabama (Dothan); Arkansas (Bentonville); Arizona; California (Brentwood, Chico, Concord, Pinole, Riverbank, Roseville, Sacramento, Stockton, Vacaville, West Sacramento, Yuba City); Colorado (Denver, Thornton, Lone Tree); Connecticut; Florida (Jacksonville, Panama City); Georgia (Macon, Warner Robins); Idaho; Kansas (Wichita); Maryland; Missouri (Branson, Springfield); North Carolina (Hickory, Lenoir); Nevada (Las Vegas); South Carolina (Florence); Virginia (Manassas); Utah; and Wisconsin. Another source indicated that a free doughnut was available by showing an "I Voted" sticker at participating shops, highlighting a potential variation in redemption methods.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven offered a free hot coffee in any size cup on Election Day. This deal was available exclusively through the 7-Eleven mobile app, which could be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. The offer was valid at participating stores, and customers were limited to one cup per customer. It was specifically noted that the free coffee was not valid on iced coffee. This promotion required customers to have the app and scan it at the point of sale.
Bertucci's
Italian restaurant chain Bertucci's offered a free cannoli with the purchase of an entrée on Election Day. The offer was available while supplies last and required customers to mention a specific phrase, such as "Cannoli Polls," or vote for their favorite new cannoli. This deal was valid on November 8, 2016, and was subject to participation at specific locations.
Dunkin' Donuts and Other Chains
While Dunkin' Donuts was mentioned in a source list for its 2016 seasonal holiday menu, no specific Election Day freebie was detailed in the provided data. Similarly, other chains like McDonald's, Popeyes, Dairy Queen, and Sonic were referenced in the context of 2016 seasonal promotions, but not for Election Day freebies. For example, McDonald's was noted for its Peppermint Mochas, and Dairy Queen for its Candy Cane Oreo Blizzard, but these were not tied to Election Day.
Local and Regional Restaurant Offers
Several local and regional restaurants offered specific promotions for voters: - Bertucci's: As noted above, a free cannoli with entrée purchase. - Brauhaus Schmitz: In certain areas, voters wearing an "I Voted Today" sticker could receive a free Traunstein Oktoberfest beer. - Duffy's Sports Grill: Voters with an "I Voted" sticker could get free Red Velvet Mini Donuts. - East Coast Wings & Grill: This establishment offered 5 free wings with the purchase of an adult entrée. - Firehouse Subs: A free medium drink was available for those who showed an "I Voted" sticker. - Great American Cookies: A free regular cookie was offered upon showing an "I Voted" sticker, with no purchase necessary. - Marco’s Pizza: One source mentioned a free pizza voucher, though details on redemption were not provided in the chunks. - White Castle: Customers could get a free gallon of iced tea with the purchase of a Crave Case. This required presenting a coupon in the restaurant or using the promo code "USA" when ordering online.
Other Food and Drink Promotions
- World of Beer: This establishment offered the first beer for $1 if the Election Day deal was mentioned to the server.
- California Tortilla: Voters could get free chips and queso with any purchase by saying phrases like "Make queso great again," "I’m with queso," or "I vote for queso" while ordering.
- The Association (in La): An Election Night party was held with a bipartisan viewing event starting at 5 p.m. Attendees could watch the vote counts and enjoy drink specials, though registration was required.
Retail and Service Promotions
Beyond food, several businesses offered services or products to facilitate the voting process or reward participants.
Transportation Services
- Lyft: In select metropolitan areas, riders were eligible for a 45% discount on rides to the polls on Election Day. The discount was available in: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, New Jersey, Orange County, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.
- Zipcar: On election night, over 7,000 Zipcars across the country were available for free to members from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Members could reserve vehicles starting at 9 a.m. on November 3 through Election Day via the website or mobile app. The promotion was part of the #DRIVEtheVOTE initiative, intended to help members "zip to the polls during the last few hours."
Fitness and Community Centers
- Gold's Gym: Members and visitors could bring a valid "I voted" sticker for free access to their local Gold's Gym on Election Day.
- YMCA: Select YMCA locations offered free childcare so parents could vote without hassle. It was advised to call the local Y to confirm participation.
Entertainment
- AMC Theatres: Designated "blue" or "red" AMC locations offered free viewing of CNN’s Election Night coverage in America. This was a non-commercial viewing event.
- Bob Evans: After 2 p.m. on Election Day, Bob Evans offered 30% off the bill for dine-in or carry-out orders.
Other Notable Offers
- Chuck E. Cheese: Using coupon code #5253 on November 8 and informing the register that you voted entitled the customer to a free personal pepperoni pizza with any pizza purchase.
- Nestlé Toll House Café: A free chocolate chip cookie was available with an "I Voted" sticker.
- Uber: While mentioned in a source as wanting to make it "super easy for you to vote," no specific freebie or discount was detailed in the provided data for Uber on Election Day 2016.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking to take advantage of such promotions, consumers should be aware of several key factors:
- Location Variability: Many offers were subject to participation at specific locations. National chains often had exclusions, as seen with Krispy Kreme. It was always advisable to check with the local store or restaurant before visiting.
- Proof of Voting: The most common requirement was an "I Voted" sticker, which is typically provided at polling places. Some offers, like 7-Eleven's coffee, required a mobile app instead. Others, like Bertucci's cannoli, required a verbal mention of a specific phrase.
- Purchase Requirements: Some deals, such as the free cannoli at Bertucci's or the free iced tea at White Castle, required a separate purchase. Others, like the free cookie at Great American Cookies, did not.
- Time Sensitivity: All offers were valid only on November 8, 2016, with some, like the 7-Eleven coffee, available only during specific hours.
- Supplies and Availability: Many freebies were offered "while supplies last," meaning early arrival was recommended to ensure availability.
Conclusion
The 2016 Election Day was marked by a diverse array of freebies and promotional offers designed to reward and facilitate civic participation. From free coffee and doughnuts to discounted rides and free childcare, businesses across the country provided incentives for voters. While the specific offers from 2016 are no longer active, they illustrate a common trend where brands leverage national events to connect with consumers and promote community engagement. For future elections, consumers can expect similar promotions, though the specific brands, offers, and requirements will vary. It remains essential to verify details directly with the participating businesses and to understand all terms and conditions before attempting to redeem any offer.