Well, this is a major bummer: Apparently, it’s illegal to give discounts or freebies to voters.
DCist reported more than a week ago (and pointed out again yesterday) that federal law prohibits restaurants and bars from rewarding voting with material goods in places where federal candidates are on the ballot. The penalty? Fines or imprisonment up to a year—or both.
We know what you’re thinking: Seriously?!
Capitol City Brewing Company canceled its free beer for voting promotion after learning about the law. And Hank’s Oyster Bar will no longer be giving out free drinks and oysters to voters.
DCist took it upon itself to call out local businesses for offering free food to voters. The site’s Ben Freed (who’s also a City Paper contributor) pointed out on Twitter that it was illegal for Pound the Coffee to give free joe to people wearing their “I voted” stickers. To which the coffeehouse responded, “Ok, ok. We are apparently being illegal. We will not reward you for voting. Tomorrow is STICKER DAY. Free cm coffee if you wear a sticker!!”
Politico reports that Z-Burger has also reworked its deal, so now anyone who uses the secret code “Z-VOTE” on election day can get a free burger. Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s, and Krispy Kreme also altered their deals in 2008 to line up with the law.
Whether they don’t know or don’t care, there are still some places (as of now) where you’ll be rewarded with free or discounted food and drinks for wearing your “I voted” sticker:
A Bar at Avenue Suites
Access to all-night happy hour prices from 4 p.m. to close
Art & Soul
Order a swing state cocktail, and get a free cocktail for a friend.
The Big Cheese
Boundary Stone
Del Frisco’s Grille
Complimentary Partisan shot (tequila, pomegranate, blood orange, passion fruit) with the purchase of food or drink
The Diner
Half-off pie
Jackson 20
A three-course Andrew Jackson-inspired dinner available for $20
Sonoma
Complimentary election day treat from the kitchen
Vinoteca
$5 glasses of wine and $5 Peroni drafts as well as discounted small plates and a $6 burger
We’ll update the list if anything changes. Know of other deals for wearing an “I voted” sticker? Email us at jsidman@washingtoncitypaper.com.
UPDATE:
Jackie’s Restaurant
Free “USA” cupcake (Update: After learning that it’s illegal, Jackie’s is now giving cupcakes to anyone with a sticker of any kind.)