Participating in your civic duty and earning a priceless “I Voted” sticker not giving you enough satisfaction? Lots of national and local businesses are looking to cash in on electoral fever….

FREEbies

• Ben & Jerry’s free scoop of ice cream between 5:00pm and 8:00pm.
• Starbucks Coffee offers a free large coffee if you’re willing to wait in line.
• Free pint of Schell’s beer at The Nomad World Pub.
• Free drink at the 508 Bar & Restaurant.
• Free donut at Krispy Kreme…oh wait.

Local Incentives

• 2-4-1 pints from noon to close (2:00am) at The Herkimer.
• $10 off any entree at The Melting Pot.
• Triple order of Topperstix or a large 1-topping pizza for $3.99 at Toppers Pizza

I snagged most of the list above via Alexis, who did her homework and also suggests you check out the vita.mn thread for info on election day parties and other specials.

From a quick Google search, it seems MSP is falling behind in the “I Voted” freebie department.

In Dallas, a local tattoo parlor is offering “Free Tattoo Removal with Proof of Vote.” Lots of local restaurants in major cities are offering free burgers or a glass of champagne, car washes are giving away red, white and blue (soap) specials, and in New York, handbag and clothing boutique Hayden-Harnett is giving voters 20 percent off and free wine at the door.

Maybe the best yet — an adult bookstore in Seattle is rewarding voters with a sex toy called The Maverick.

Forget your “I Voted” sticker and still want to cash in on the freebies? Go for it anyway.

According to federal and state laws, offering incentives or remuneration to reward people for voting or not voting is illegal. Since these laws were created to prevent any form of bribery through free food, alcohol or money, retailers will have to go by the honor system or face a visit from Mark Ritchie.