Voters heading to the polls Tuesday can take advantage of several Election Day promotions, including a free Original Glazed doughnut at participating Krispy Kreme shops, half-price Lyft rides and buy-one-get-one Footlong subs at Subway through Nov. 8. Hertz is offering a free day on some car rentals, and several transit agencies are providing fare-free rides, though hours and coverage vary.
Because Election Day falls on National Sandwich Day, additional food deals are available, including $5 sandwiches at some chains. Subway moved its official National Sandwich Day celebration to Oct. 27 but extended its BOGO deal through Nov. 8. Many offers require promo codes, rewards accounts or an app, and some are limited to participating locations or available only while supplies last.
Federal law prohibits offering something of value in exchange for voting in an election involving federal candidates. Under 18 U.S.C. §597 and 52 U.S.C. §10307(c), making or soliciting such an expenditure can carry criminal penalties. The Justice Department's 2017 Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual outlines how these laws apply.
That legal framework shapes how businesses structure promotions. FairVote.org says giveaways can be legal if available to voters and nonvoters alike. Krispy Kreme's offer this year asks guests to say they voted or show an "I Voted" sticker, a shift from 2020, 2022 and 2024 when the company gave doughnuts to all comers with no proof required. Lyft frames its ride program around access rather than rewards, stating its offer is "not intended to incentivize voting."
"Showing up for our communities – whether by voting or volunteering at the polls – is worth celebrating," Krispy Kreme Chief Brand and Product Officer Alison Holder said in a company statement. Lyft Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden said in a blog post, "Getting to the polls is one of the most meaningful ways we get to shape our shared future."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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