Voters will pick a new leader for the country today and maybe pick up some free coffee, ice cream and other goodies too. But some authorities question whether such giveaways run afoul of election rules.
• Starbucks is offering a free cup of coffee to anyone who reports voting.
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is giving away star-shaped doughnuts.
• Ice-cream maker Ben and Jerry’s is offering a free scoop to anyone as part of a celebration of the election.
Most aren’t requiring any proof of voting, such as an “I voted” sticker. Starbucks said it’s using the honor system to dole out the free “tall” cups of coffee. (No word if customers get bonus drinks if they know whether “tall” is small or large.)
But that could be construed as rewarding someone for voting and could violate federal and state law, said David Ammons, spokesman for the Washington state elections division, home of Starbucks.
He said the state’s attorney general’s office contacted Starbucks on Monday, telling the company it was against the law.
But Ammons said officials wouldn’t press for prosecution.
By Monday afternoon, more than 127,000 people had indicated they would take advantage of the coffee giveaway on the online networking site Facebook.
Ben and Jerry’s will avoid that sticky situation by celebrating the election with a “national party,” said Walt Freese, Ben and Jerry’s chief euphoria officer.
“Even though we’re giving scoops away to everyone, regardless of whether they vote or not, we hope they still take part in their civic duty,” Freese said. The Associated Press
