Austin Voters: Get Free Stuff Just For Voting

AUSTIN, TEXAS — There are many rewards to voting: The fulfillment derived from participation in our vibrant democracy; the example set for one's children in partaking of civic duty; the warm feeling derived in helping to effect positive change; the "I Voted" sticker one gets to rub in the faces of co-workers as an effective shaming tool.

In none of those rewards grab you, how about free stuff? Area businesses are poised to reward voter participation with complimentary offerings in adding to the myriad benefits of casting one's ballot.

HOTEL ELLA

Through Nov. 2, early voters showing up with the aforementioned sticker can get a free tap beer at Hotel Ella, located at 1900 Rio Grande St. For those intent on mingling further, the hotel is running special food and beverage offers — happy hour cocktails featuring half-off cocktails, beers and wine by the glass from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. This deal is for those casting ballots during the early voting period that ends Nov. 2.

The hotel — situated in the historic Goodall Wooten House, one of Austin's landmark estates, near the state Capitol — will also be hosting a midterm election watch party on Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests will be able to watch election results come in from inside a large tent set up on the front lawn. Drink specials and bar snacks will be available for purchase and free tap beer will be available for those who wear that powerful "I Voted" sticker.

Photo of Hotel Ella interior by Jake Holt, used with permission

Those interested in attending are invited to make an RSVP here: facebook.com/events/501533213655617/. $5 valet parking will be available; happy hour prices will also be honored until 7 p.m.

SHAKE SHACK

All Shake Shack locations will offer free fries with any purchase for those walking in donning their "I Voted" stickers on Election Day. This freebie will also be redeemable via the Shake Shack App (code will be "ivoted"). To redeem in this way, voters will need to show their sticker when they pick up their order. There are a pair of Shake Shack locations in Austin, at Lamar Union Plaza and The Domain.

Shake Shack describes itself as a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100 percent all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever, company officials stress), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine and more. "A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world," company officials wrote in their press materials.

Photo of menu offerings courtesy of Shake Shack, used with permission

Early voting runs through Nov. 2 ahead of Election Day.

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>>> Top photo by Jake Holt, used with permission