Contributed by Shawna Mizelle
The importance of today’s midterm elections has been emphasized heavily with celebrity endorsements and substantial media coverage. Ride sharing apps, food chains and a number of retailers are offering customers discounts and freebies in honor of Election Day.
It is however against federal law to offer freebies in exchange for voting. According to United States Code of Laws:
Whoever makes or offers to make an expenditure to any person, either to vote or withhold his vote, or to vote for or against any candidate; and Whoever solicits, accepts, or receives any such expenditure in consideration of his vote or the withholding of his vote–Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.”
This felonious crime has caused many companies to change their free offers. The Field Museum in Chicago was offering free admission to those with proof of voting today, but since has changed the offer to free admission to all on today regardless of voting proof. Potbelly was offering a free cookie to customers with an “I Voted” sticker. They have since changed their offer to a free cookie with any entree today and tomorrow.
valid 11/6-7 with any entree. no requirement to vote, just ask and we’ll give you a free cookie. but seriously, you should vote.
— Potbelly (@Potbelly) November 3, 2018
Here are some of the offers valid in the Washington D.C. area today:
Using Uber you can use the code Vote2018 to save up to $10 on your ride to your voting poll.
Your vote is what drives democracy forward. Learn where your local polling place is and get there with a discounted ride: https://t.co/A0l641s5IE pic.twitter.com/7K1h7hWQKg
— Uber (@Uber) November 5, 2018
Using Limebike you can get a free ride to the polls with the code LIME2VOTE2018.
On Nov. 6th, we are offering free rides to the polls. 🇺🇸 🗽#CitrusGotReal #BeAVoter #electionday #electionday2018
Details here: https://t.co/BsJGMsVs85— Lime (@limebike) October 25, 2018
According to a Lyft blogpost 15 million people were hindered from voting in the 2016 election due to transportation issues.
Lyft is offering up to 50% off prices on rides to polling locations. To get your Lyft promotion code enter your zip-code here.
Capital Bikeshare is completely free today with the code “BIKETOVOTE”.
The car rental service, Zipcar, is offering $20 off of a future trip in exchange for a car rental this evening.
Election Day is coming up and we’re encouraging everyone to heed the call of civic duty and filibust-a-move to the polls! Reserve & drive a Zipcar on election night (between 6-10 p.m.) and get a $20 driving credit for a future trip. Let's #DRIVEtheVOTE! https://t.co/Yt9BwmP8z5 pic.twitter.com/b1pHWJwC2y
— Zipcar (@Zipcar) November 2, 2018
Get free delivery on any order placed on the Blaze pizza app.
Use “IVOTED2018” at checkout for 10% off your Baked by Melissa order.
Get free chips and queso with any California Tortilla order today when you say, “I voted.” Twin Peaks has the same offer with your voting sticker.
Corner Bakery Cafe is offering free coffee with any purchase and your voting sticker.
Krispy Kreme reward members can get two dozen donuts with an email coupon today and tomorrow.
Your first beer today is $1 at participating Miller’s Ale House locations tonight.
Show proof of your vote at the Modcloth tomorrow store and receive a Modcloth tote bag as well as a special edition pin.
Shake Shack is offering free fries with any purchase when you show your voting sticker or use the code “ivoted” when ordering on the app.
