Free stuff! Election Day 2020 deals you can take advantage of right now
Election Day is tomorrow, but the 2020 election has already begun in earnest, with more than 93 million votes cast, according to the U.S. Elections Project.
As such, companies across the board have begun offering voting day specials to help motivate as many people as possible to let their voices be heard.
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Some companies have been offering deals and other perks to would-be voters for a few weeks now, given that early voting has been underway in many states for some time, while others are offering a tighter window in which people can take advantage.
We're likely to see more deals pop up as we draw ever closer to Election Day tomorrow. We'll be updating this post as more relevant deals come along, but for now, let's take a look at a few of the best offers we're currently seeing.
Companies offering voting day deals
Hertz
Car-rental giant Hertz is offering the "Drive the Vote" promo in order to help people get to the polls, no matter the location they need to get to. You can get one free day when you pick up your car on either Nov. 2 or 3 and complete at least a two-day rental from participating neighborhood locations. Pulling off an election of this scale amid the enduring COVID-19 pandemic is no easy feat, and Hertz wants people to feel as safe as they possibly can while participating in the democratic process.
When reserving, be sure to use the code 210350.
Lyft
In 2018, ride-hailing platform Lyft began its "Ride to Vote" initiative, which is aimed at providing access to affordable transportation to the polls. It's expanded the offering in 2020, and will offer 50% off one ride up to $10 to any polling location or dropbox when you use the code 2020VOTE. Now, this offer extends to Lyft's network of bikes and scooters in cities around the country.
The code is valid for one ride only on Nov. 3 between the hours of 4 a.m. and 11 p.m. local time, and does not apply to Lyft Lux rides.
Uber
There are a few aspects to Uber's Get Out the Vote initiative in 2020. Most notably, the company's food-delivery arm, Uber Eats has partnered with Pizza to the Polls to deliver free food via a fleet of over 180 food trucks to polling places in 25 cities across the country between Oct. 24 and Nov. 3. Also, Uber's offering 50% off round-trip rides to and from the polls (up to $7 each way or $14 round-trip), which also applies to its fleet of bikes and scooters. Plus, the Uber app has a new feature that will help users find their correct polling place.
The discount is valid from 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on Nov. 3 to 3 a.m. Pacific Time on Nov. 4 and is eligible for all riding options except for Taxi and Transit. Do note you'll need to search for your polling place in the app to get the discount.
Local bike-sharing
Several bike-sharing companies are participating in "Roll to the Polls" via The North American Bikeshare Association (NABSA), and offering free or reduced-cost transportation to voters. Here's the list:
- Bird
- Blue Systems
- Boulder B-cycle
- Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System
- Explore Bike Share
- Fort Worth Bike Sharing
- Gotcha
- Heartland Bike Share
- Metro Bike Share
- MobilityData
- MoGo Detroit
- Movatic
- PikeRide Colorado Springs
- Populus
- Ride Report
- Shift Transit
- Tugo Bike Share
Go to RolltothePolls.com to find the nearest operator.
Local transit
Check with your local transit agency for free rides to the polls. Cities like Los Angeles and Indianapolis are offering free rides on Election Day. The Southern California transit agency L.A. Metro, for example, is offering free service on rail and bus lines through Nov. 3.
Free food
Be sure to check out hotels near you as some are offering discounts for voters on stays or on food and wine.
Election Day is also National Sandwich Day and lots of chains are offering deals or freebies so check your local franchises. If you are a poll worker even more free stuff is available to you at chains like Chopt and Shake Shack. Another example? Chobani and Seamless are giving 1,000 New York City poll workers $40 off their Seamless orders. Check out Perksforpollworkers.com.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGsMwbbA5q2/?utm_source=ig_embed
Boston Market
Boston Market is giving away free sliders on election night from 9 p.m. to close.
Chili's
Chili's will have $5 "Presidente Margaritas" through Nov. 3 and is running a contest.
DoorDash
Use promo code "VOTE" for free delivery on orders over $15 on Election Day. For those with zero delivery fees already, you can use the code DPVOTE for 10% off.
Krispy Kreme
Get a free glazed donut and an "I voted" sticker on Election Day.
McDonald's
Beginning on Election Day McDonald's is giving out new pastry items with a purchase of a hot beverage through the app.
Wendy's
Wendy's is giving away its new chicken sandwich with any purchase through its app now through Nov. 8.
White Castle
Get $4 off orders of $20 or more or $5 off orders of $30 or more on Tuesday through Grubhub, Uber Eats and Postmates. Note that White Castle is closing all locations from 7 - 11 a.m. so employees can vote.
Bottom line
We're just one day away from Election Day 2020, and with turnout expected to be high and the ever-present coronavirus considerations, voting in 2020 will surely be unique. We're seeing companies jump in to help get people registered, find their polling places and provide more-affordable transportation to and from. We'll likely be seeing more promotions pop up, so check back here for updates.
Additional reporting by Clint Henderson.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.