Election Day 2024: I voted for free food for voters in Austin

It’s now election season in Texas – early voting begins Monday, October 21st and runs through Friday, November 1st, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. And Austin restaurants are ready to encourage people to go out and fulfill their civic duties in the form of free or discounted food for voters.

There are a number of important races coming up for Austinites: the presidential election between Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump; the Texas Senate race between Democratic Rep. Colin Allred and incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and other state offices; the race for mayor and city council seats; Suggestions; and more.

It’s important to note that offering free food and drink to voters is technically illegal. However, restaurants can legally get around this by opening these offers to everyone, even those without an “I Voted” sticker.

Here are the Austin restaurants offering free food or discounts to voters (and legally, non-voters).

• Home Slice: Both locations of the pizzeria will offer people a free slice with stickers during early voting and on Election Day. (Home Section: 501 East 53rd Street, North Loop; More: 1415 South Congress Avenue, Travis Heights)

• Kerbey Lane Cafe: The diner mini-chain is offering people with voting stickers a free pancake on Election Day (people who vote early are asked to save their stickers for Election Day). (multiple locations)