Election Day voter freebies a no-noStarbucks, others open up Tuesday to everyone
by Dale Rodebaugh
Herald Staff Writer
Coffee, beer or cupcakes; if it's a bribe, it's unlawful. If it's a reward for voting, it's OK.
The foregoing pretty well sums up the legal consideration for Durango businesses that offered freebies on Election Day.
A Starbucks promotion on TV over the weekend that offered a free 12-ounce coffee to people who voted quickly raised the specter of a bribe - an election impropriety. The chain changed the offer to free coffee for anyone Tuesday.
In Durango, the Starbucks outlet was handing out free 12-ounce coffees almost from the get-go, shift supervisor Amy Miller said.
"We've given a whole lot of free coffee," Miller said. "I know they were telling people who voted at Needham Elementary School precinct about us."
Other Durango businesses were following suit.
In fact, Carver Brewing Co. has been giving free beer on Election Day probably since 1996, manager Zac Warman said.
"We give a 10-ounce draw-size beer," Warman said. "Both our bars have been pretty full all day."
El Rancho Tavern gave away cupcakes.
"We ask if they voted," bartender Sarah, who declined to give her last name, said. "But it doesn't matter."
click here for full story
Posts
