Illegal Freebies For Utica/Rome Voters On November 3, 2020

Did you know that all these voter incentives and freebies are technically illegal during a federal election? But that doesn't stop businesses from offering up everything from free rides, drinks, food. Check out the long list here.

General election voting is Tuesday, November 3rd, from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.at your designated polling place. The coveted  'I Voted' sticker can get you lots of free stuff, but it's actually against the law. I came across an article in the New York Times about businesses offering incentives in an attempt to increase voter participation, and Alexander Hertel-Fernandez, a political scientist and an assistant professor of public affairs at Columbia University, said:

“Under federal election law and in any case where there is a federal candidate on the ballot, it is illegal.”

Hertel-Fernandez doesn't know of any charges ever brought against these companies, but we think it's only a matter of time.

Uber and Lyft offer special discounts or promotions to enable voters of all ages to get to their polling places on time. Many public transit systems will be free, as well.

Free or Almost Free Stuff For Voters:

Burger King is offering $3 off orders of $18 or more via Grubhub.

Chili’s has $5 Presidente Margarita through Nov. 3. They also have a contest where you can win a bunch of stuff, including free Chili’s for a year.

Watch for an announcement for a free medium sub deal at Firehouse Subs. They said they would have a special, and last year it was a free medium sub with the purchase of additional medium or large sub, chips, and a drink.

Jersey Mike's offers a free turkey sub and free delivery on all orders $10 or more on Election Day through Grubhub.

Jimmy John’s is offering BOGO 50% off sandwiches through Nov. 8. Buy one 8-inch or 16-inch sandwich online or in the Jimmy John’s app, get a second sandwich (of equal or lesser value) for half off through Nov. 8. Use promo code SAVEON2 at checkout.

November 3 through November 9, McDonald's is giving away one of its new McCafe items, an apple fritter, a blueberry muffin, or a cinnamon roll with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee placed through their app.

Planet Fitness is offering a free workout and a free Hydromassage to those who voted. Offer good from November 3-8.

Wendy's is giving away a Classic Chicken Sandwich that's crisper and juicier than ever before with any purchase through November 8.

What did we miss? Let us know and we'll add it! Make sure you get out and vote!