By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Washington Across the US businesses are offering a variety of deals and giveaway’s to customers who visit Tuesday wearing “I Voted” stickers, an item handed out at polling sites to each person who casts a ballot in the US elections.
In Washington, just a short walk from the US Capitol building, the restaurant Art and Soul is offering a two-for-the-price-of-one deal on its “Swing State Cocktails”, representing eight battleground states that analysts say could decide the election.
“We really want people to come and hang out all day and watch the results roll in,” said manager Tricia Barba, who recommends Wisconsin’s cocktail, which comes with chunks of the state’s signature cheese mixed in, as her favorite out of the bunch.
To encourage people in Hollywood, California to get out and vote, Carney’s is offering a free hot dog or hamburger to patrons wearing their “I Voted” stickers.
And what if someone voted by absentee ballot and didn’t go to the polls, no worries, the restaurant says they can bring in their ballot stub and get in on the deal as well.
Nationwide, the popular coffee chain Starbucks is offering its customers free red, white and blue wristbands if they come in wearing their election stickers.
Other national chain restaurants including Chili’s, Boston Market, and Olive Garden are offering special Election Day promotions on meals as well.
And back in Washington, Election Day yoga is offering a way for people to burn off some of the calories they’ve consumed from all the Election Day food and drink deals.
More than four dozen yoga studios in the area, including parts of the states of Maryland and Virginia, are offering complimentary yoga classes on Election Day, no “I Voted” sticker required.
While the promotions might give voters an added incentive to cast ballots, according to the Cornell University School of Law, it is illegal to give out material rewards to people simply for voting.