Starbucks vote promo gets decaffeinated

Posted: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 3:36 PM by Carrie Dann
Filed Under: Pete Williams

From NBC's Pete Williams
Starbucks, which announced in an ad on "Saturday Night Live" that it would give a free coffee to anyone who came in on Election Day and said, "I voted," has been forced to change its plan.

Now anyone who wants the free coffee gets it, voter or not.

It turns out that a giveaway to voters could violate election laws in some states that prohibit gifts for voters. While these laws are generally intended to discourage attempts to influence voters, the lawyers were worried the Starbucks policy might be a violation.

"To ensure we are in compliance with election law, we extended our offer to all customers who request a tall brewed coffee," says Tara Darrow of Starbucks.

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Comments

LMAO you people are funny and will complain about anything that is posted as news anywhere

Rob, Bangor PA (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:17 PM)

Starbucks changes it's plan today. Obama will change his plan tomorrow.

"New and higher taxes for everyone!!" - BHObama
Leader Board you suck!...better start crying now!

ILS SC (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:17 PM)

Change of plan? Must be Democrats!

KC, Memphis, TN (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:17 PM)

I've put up with that Nazi in the White House for 8 years. The warmonger that destroyed our economy. It's a shame most of these (unemployed) bloggers start bashing Obama before he gets a chance. For the sake of the damn country and what's left of it, let's all try and be pro-America. Pro-ourselves.
Now i'm off to buy medical marijuana with a $5 discount for voting.

D. Reid Dillionger (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:18 PM)

Higher taxes for anyone making more than $250,000 a year. That probably doesn't include "Leaderboard"...so don't worry about it!

Hitobito, Providence, RI (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:18 PM)

What does Starbucks giving away free coffee have anything to do with Obama? VOTE FOR CHANGE NOT MORE OF THE SAME! Have you looked at the state of the economy lately?

Tabitha L., Columbus, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:18 PM)

Man some of us need a time out. I have been going from blog to blog just to see how people today feel And it appears some of us have really got a snoot full of vitriol. Gear down folks This is not such a bad day for America. I heard one person say something about you shouldn't vote if you aren't used to doing it or if you haven't read up on all the things you are voting for. But I think getting in on a really great race and maybe having your vote count for a change may just make some new converts to this poli system. Go on and vote for coffee or for your own core beliefs but do VOTE.

Bonnie Omaha NE (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:18 PM)

I think they should be able to give away what ever they want to whom they want. No one said you had to take their free coffee. They just want to get people involved. My goodness everyone is so over-opinionated. It is all out of our hands now...so relax!

Cathryn, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:18 PM)

Thank you Starbucks for your encouragement to get people out to vote! If it takes a free cup of joe, so be it! I'll grab mine after I vote.

Kenner Broad, Kenner, LA (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:19 PM)

I can't beleive some of the petty laws that exist. We have a lot more important things to be concerned about.

Terry Foster, Cumming, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:20 PM)

I got my free cup of coffee after voting this morning, mostly because I was feeling so good about voting and wanted to share the cheer with others! Eric, Salinas, CA appears to need less caffeine and more fiber in his diet! Lighten up, Dude.

Judy, Niles, OH (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:20 PM)

Bonnie Omaha NE (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:20 PM)

Have your free coffee and stop bitching

Sabu Blfd NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:21 PM)

Paranoia abounds. It's a simple law meant to protect people from being paid not to vote. The law is clear. What's the big deal? Oh, yeah, I forgot. This is the year of paranoia. Then again, I can't blame anyone after the Bush years.

All you GOP zombies get ready for a new era. No more handouts to corporations while average Americans get poorer by the minute. Don't like it? Tough. Move to Russia where your right-wing government is in full effect. No dissent, the rich getting richer and a lying leader with no morals.

Charlie Choo-Choo, Tacoma, WA (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:21 PM)

Thanks Starbucks for great advertising, you can ride that wave for a bit.

James C., Oak Park, IL (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:21 PM)

Free coffee, without having to do anything. Sounds like a perfect metaphor for the Obama platform.

Randy, Charlotte NC (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:21 PM)

RELAX everyone, sounds like you all have already had too much coffee. If you don't want to go to Starbucks, then don't go. It was good of them to offer. Any other business offering free products???

Ruth in San Diego (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

Why are people so excited about free nibbles from corporations?

jennifer, universal city, cali (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

I work at Starbucks, and it was ridiculous today at work. I'm so happy I have a degree from college, and haven't been able to land a great "union" job, so I'm still happy to have a job to go to at Starbucks with all of it's benefits. It beats the hell out of welfare and being homeless. So, think about that before you knock at company who employs so many great people! Thanks to everyone who did vote!

No name. Norfolk, Va. (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:03 PM)

Redistributing the coffee?

Betty the Barista (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:04 PM)

I cannot beleive that we are actually taking time to comment on this subject when there are so many more worthy topics of discussion.

Louis Martino, Farmingdale, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:05 PM)

You're all a bunch of whiners! Just go enjoy your free cup of coffee...it's gonna be a looong night!

Blue-In-A-Sea-Of-Red, Grand Junction, CO (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:05 PM)

It's ok if Starbuck's has to supply free coffee to everyone - this company can afford it! Maybe they should spread the wealth!

O/B 08 (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:06 PM)

When it said "decaffeinated", I hoped it meant I could get a free hot chocolate instead of coffee. (I don't drink anything caffeinated)... Oh well. I DID vote, though. :)

Rachel B., Bend, OR (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:26 PM)

Good-paying union jobs...Hah...why would any company set up shop here for overpaid workers. Mob unions are why many manufacturing companies either go under or leave.

Non-Union Skilled Worker,CA (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 8:11 PM)

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