Election Day 2024 saw a variety of promotional offers and freebies from major brands, aimed at celebrating civic participation. These promotions were largely available to individuals who presented an "I Voted" sticker or used specific codes, though many did not require proof of actual voting. The offers spanned several categories, including food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment, with a focus on providing incentives to customers on November 5, 2024.
Food and Beverage Promotions
Several well-known food and beverage chains offered free items or discounts to customers on Election Day. These promotions were often tied to the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker or the use of a specific coupon.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme provided a free Original Glazed doughnut at participating locations in the United States on November 5, 2024. The brand also distributed "I Voted" stickers at its shops. According to a brand statement, the promotion was intended to celebrate participation in democracy. Notably, recipients were not required to prove they had cast a ballot to receive the free doughnut. Participating shops also handed out "I Voted" stickers, allowing those who voted early to obtain a sticker along with their doughnut.
Johnny Rockets
The burger chain Johnny Rockets offered a free milkshake with any in-store purchase on Election Day 2024. Customers were required to mention the "free shake" offer to redeem it.
Yogurtland
Yogurtland offered a 15% discount on in-store purchases at participating locations on Election Day 2024. Customers needed to show their "I Voted" sticker to receive the discount.
IKEA
IKEA provided one free frozen yogurt at participating Swedish Bistros on November 5, 2024. To redeem the offer, customers had to present a printed or electronic version of a coupon. The promotion was described as a way to celebrate and support voting rights, though proof of voting was not required.
Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese offered a promotion where customers could buy 60 minutes of play and receive an additional 60 minutes free. This coupon was valid only on November 5, 2024, at participating locations. Additionally, Bronze and Silver Fun Pass holders received an exclusive Election Day perk: a 50% discount on food and drink, also valid only on November 5, 2024.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s offered half-priced games on Election Day 2024.
Ghengis Grill
Ghengis Grill provided a 20% discount on a customer’s bill (excluding alcohol) on Election Day 2024. This offer required showing an "I Voted" sticker.
Lazy Dog Restaurants
Lazy Dog restaurants, which number approximately 50 across eight states, offered a free non-alcoholic drink with an entree purchase to diners who presented an "I Voted" sticker.
Transportation and Travel Incentives
Several transportation companies offered discounted or free rides to facilitate travel to polling places on Election Day 2024.
Lyft and Uber
Registered voters could receive half off their Lyft rideshare, bikeshare, or scooter ride between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time on Election Day by using the code VOTE24. Uber offered 50% off rides to polling places during voting hours. Users could look up polling locations within the Uber app.
Lime
Lime offered free scooter or bike rides to the polls by entering the code VOTE2024 at checkout. This offer was valid through Election Day 2024.
Legal and Regulatory Context
It is important to note that providing incentives to vote is technically illegal under federal election law. However, an expert informed the New York Times in 2018 that the law has seemingly never been enforced against companies. These giveaways become legal if they are opened up to anyone on Election Day, regardless of whether they voted. For example, Krispy Kreme’s promotion was available to all guests, not just those who voted. Similarly, the free frozen yogurt at IKEA required a coupon but did not require proof of voting.
Additional Promotions and Community Initiatives
Beyond individual brand offers, there were also broader initiatives to support voters. For instance, there was a mechanism to report long lines at polling sites for a chance to have free pizza delivered to the site. This initiative aimed to support individuals waiting to cast their votes.