Voting is an American's right, privilege and as many see it, responsibility. And if those aren't noble enough reasons to get out on Nov. 4 and mark your ballot, restaurants and merchants continue to make offers of discounts and freebies for those who take the time to go to the polls.
Starbucks, for example, is broadcasting a dramatic commercial saying such profound things like, “what if we all cared as much on Nov. 5 as we did on Nov. 4?” The commercial is incredibly inspiring, making you want to jump off your couch and make a difference tomorrow and every day after, and then in the final five seconds, you find out that Starbucks is giving out free 12-oz. cups of coffee on Nov. 4 for those who voted. Hey, we're not mocking that – you can't change the world without getting a caffeinated jump start.
And Krispy Kreme is handing out a free star-shaped doughnut with red and blue sprinkles for patrons who are sporting the “I Voted” sticker. Bribing citizens with free sugar? Sounds like a good idea to us.
If you're on an e-mail list for Lincoln Park's Geja's Café, you can print out their recent invitation to get 20.08 percent off of your bill on election tomorrow night. A slew of other restaurants are offering some great deals, too.
Free coffee, doughnuts and dining discounts aside, perhaps the greatest satisfaction on Nov. 4 will come from realizing that you are part of the democratic process. But if you're doing it for the free breakfast, we won't judge.
