Key information
- Johnny Rockets and Laza Dog restaurants are offering free food and drinks to customers who show proof of voting.
- Ikea offers free ice cream at its restaurant upon presentation of a coupon, while Krispy Kreme offers a free donut to every customer.
- Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft offer discounts on rides and bike and scooter rentals, respectively.
Several companies are offering deals and incentives to their customers on November 5, the day of the US presidential election. From free food and drinks to discounted bike rentals, Americans have plenty of reasons to celebrate democracy at participating establishments.
Johnny Rockets, for example, offers free milkshakes with any purchase to customers who show proof of voting. A simple “I Voted” sticker, commonly distributed at polling stations across the country, is enough. Similarly, Laza Dog restaurants offer a free soft drink with the purchase of a meal to customers who present their sticker.
Good deals and discounts for voters
Ikea offers all its customers free ice cream in its restaurant, but requires the presentation of a coupon obtained on its website, in digital or printed form. Krispy Kreme takes a more direct approach by offering a free donut to every customer with no strings attached, highlighting the importance of civic engagement.
Ride-sharing services are also joining in on Election Day festivities. Uber is offering a 50 percent discount on rides to polling stations. Lyft is offering half off bike and scooter rentals between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Hertz is offering one free day of rental to customers who book at least two days between October 21 and November 5 using code PC 211636.
Businesses operate in a legal gray area
While it’s theoretically illegal to incentivize voting, the companies appear to be operating in a legal gray area by tying rewards to things like stickers or presenting them as “limited-time promotions.” Offering deals to all customers, whether they voted or not, as in the case of Ikea and Krispy Kreme promotions, is considered allowed.
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