Election Day 2024 in Akron, Ohio, featured a variety of promotional offers and freebies designed to encourage voter participation and provide convenience to those heading to the polls. These promotions came from a range of businesses, including national food chains, local attractions, and ride-sharing services. While some offers were specific to the Akron area, others were part of broader national campaigns. The following article details the verified freebies and deals available to voters in the Akron region on November 5, 2024, based on information from local news reports, official business announcements, and civic engagement resources.
The Akron Zoo provided a direct incentive for voters, offering free admission to all guests from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Election Day. This promotion was aimed at encouraging residents to get out of the house on a significant civic day. For more information on this offer, the zoo directed the public to its official website, akronzoo.org.
In the food and beverage sector, several national chains offered free items or discounts to voters. Krispy Kreme participated in its "Doughmocracy" celebration, providing a free original glazed doughnut to anyone who visited an Akron location on Election Day and stated they had voted. This was a straightforward, no-purchase-necessary offer that relied on the honor system.
Dave & Buster's, the food and entertainment destination, offered a series of Election Day specials. These included a $19.99 Eat, Drink, Play Combo Meal, which came with a choice of entrée, a fountain drink, and a $10 power card. The restaurant also featured $5 beers all day on 22-ounce drafts of Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. Additionally, Dave & Buster's offered $5 Late Night Bites, valid on Sundays through Thursdays after 10 p.m.
Grubhub+ members had access to Election Day deals as part of the platform's ongoing Gold Days of Grubhub+ celebration. These deals ran from Monday, November 4, through Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Nationally, other food and beverage promotions were available. 99 Restaurants offered a free kids' meal with the purchase of an adult entrée all day on Election Day. Chuck E. Cheese provided free playtime, though specific details on the terms of this offer were not provided in the source material.
For transportation to polling places, major rideshare companies offered discounted rides. Lyft provided 50% off rides (up to $10) with a promo code in the app, which also applied to bike and scooter rides in select cities. Uber offered 50% off rides to the polls (up to $10) for riders in the U.S. by clicking through the ‘Go Vote’ tile in the app to book a ride. It is important to note that this Uber ride discount was not available in California or Georgia. Beyond Election Day transportation, Uber also offered 25% off all election night Uber Eats orders of $25 or more (up to a $15 discount) from 6:00 PM local time on November 5 through 7:00 AM local time on November 6.
Hertz also had a car rental deal available for voters needing temporary transportation to cast their vote.
It is critical for voters to understand the eligibility requirements for both voting and receiving these promotional offers. In Ohio, voters must bring a photo ID to vote in person, whether early or on Election Day. Early voting in Ohio occurs at the county’s Board of Elections, and there is no early voting the day before Election Day. Election Day polling locations are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters must be registered at their correct address and vote at their designated polling location. While a photo ID is required, voters do not need to have it physically in hand when they arrive at the polling place, though they must ensure they are voting where they are registered.
For those interested in civic engagement beyond just voting, the University of Akron's Zips Vote initiative is a nonpartisan coalition designed to increase access to voting resources and develop interest in civic engagement among students and the wider community. Zips Vote provides accurate, unbiased information about elections and community issues. The university offers resources such as the UA All In portal for voter registration information and deadlines across the U.S., and directs Ohio residents to Voteohio.gov for state-specific election information. It is noted that Ohio does not offer same-day voter registration; voters must register by the state's deadline. For assistance with registration or voting questions, individuals can contact [email protected], ask an Election Day volunteer, or call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683.
The availability of these Election Day freebies and deals underscores a broader trend of businesses and organizations creating promotions tied to civic events. For consumers in Akron and similar regions, these offers can provide tangible benefits, from a free meal to discounted transportation, while also serving as a reminder of the importance of participating in the democratic process. As with all promotions, terms and conditions apply, and availability may be limited to specific locations or timeframes. Consumers are always advised to verify details directly with the offering business or organization before making plans.
Conclusion
Election Day 2024 in Akron, Ohio, was marked by a variety of freebies and promotional deals aimed at voters. These included free admission to the Akron Zoo, complimentary doughnuts from Krispy Kreme, discounted rides from Lyft and Uber, and special meal deals from restaurants like Dave & Buster's and 99 Restaurants. These offers were complemented by civic resources from organizations like the University of Akron's Zips Vote, which provided nonpartisan voting information and assistance. While these promotions can add value to the voting experience, they are separate from the core civic responsibility of voting, which in Ohio requires proper registration and a photo ID. The combination of voter incentives and accessible information highlights efforts to make Election Day more convenient and engaging for the community.