Uber, Lyft among companies to offer free gifts on election day, but are they legal?

Tuesday is election day, and several companies offer promotions and gifts to celebrate people exercising democracy.

Although there is nothing illegal to do at the same time as election day, federal laws prohibit companies and individuals from offering incentives to vote. This means that any promotion that requires you to display an "I Voted" sticker may be in violation of 18 USC Sec. 597.

The law states that any expense made to an elector in exchange for a vote or prohibition to vote in this regard violates the law and that those who assign the expenses are subject to a fine or penalty. Arrest.

The Chicago Field Museum originally offered free admission to those with a "I Voted" sticker, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Now, the offer is good for all the inhabitants of Illinois, whether you have voted or not.

Uber, which is among the carpool companies offering free visits to polling stations via its application, said the following: "This offer is not intended to provoke, nor condition, the act of vote, abstain from voting or voting for or against a particular candidate, political party or measure ".

Lyft also offers help to those looking for a way to go to the polls. He will use a promotional code, which will be available on his app Tuesday, reducing by 50% the cost of a ride made on Tuesday.

Zipcar car rental service offers $ 20 discount on a subsequent ride for those using this service on polling day.

If you want to use both wheels to go to the polls, Lime offers scooters and bikes for 30 minutes on polling day.

In the world of food, Potbelly offers free cookies on Tuesday and Wednesday, the only requirement being that you buy an entry.

Shake Shack offers free chips by displaying a sticker "I've voted" or using the code "IVoted" on its application.