You might be tempted to think there’s no point voting Tuesday. Wrong. Show your “I Voted” sticker at these restaurants, bars, and shops, and you’ll be rewarded with discounted cocktails and free appetizers, sandwiches, cookies, doughnuts, even hot sauce.
Liquid Art House
This Back Bay restaurant, a canvas for international art and global cuisine, will reward voters with complimentary fresh-baked homemade cookies on Election Day. The cookies will have an “I Voted” theme — and you don’t need to order food or drink, just stop by during the day or night with your “I Voted” sticker. Also, at some point during the day, owner Ruta Laukien and staff will hand out the cookies to passersby, says a restaurant spokesman. www.liquidarthouse.com
Ester
Brass Union
Wear your “I Voted” sticker on election night at this restaurant located in the former Somerville Police Headquarters and you’ll get swag like branded T-shirts from Captain Morgan Rum, the featured liquor brand for the evening — and the Captain’s team will buy sticker-wearers a Captain-based drink, too. Also, a trio of Captain Morgan-based cocktail specials will be up for vote — the Bye Obama (white rum, lime juice, housemade grenadine), Air Force Rum (spiced and white rums, banana cordial, pineapple juice and housemade orgeat), and Running Mate (spiced and white rums, blackberry liqueur, pineapple juice, coconut housemade orgeat). At 9 p.m., the ballot boxes will be counted and one voter from each box will be presented with a gift basket “filled with items designed to celebrate a win or to drown one’s sorrows.” The election results (with sound) will be shown on a 70-inch HDTV in the restaurant’s lounge. www.brassunion.com
Cliff House Maine
This newly reopened resort in Cape Neddick, Maine, will feature a “Vote for Cocktails” special on election night in its two restaurants — The Tiller Restaurant and Nub’s Lobster Shack. Show off your “I Voted” sticker and, in a nod to the election of the 45th president this year, you’ll get a 45-percent discount off your cocktail — including special sips like The Cobbler (Manzanilla Sherry, Maine blueberry-infused Dolin Blanc, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, local blueberries and mint). www.destinationhotels.com
Cobblestone Café
This North End eatery (combo coffee shop, burger joint, BBQ restaurant) on Hanover Street will give back to those who vote. From 2-5 p.m. on Election Day, Cobblestone will offer a buy one, get one free sandwich deal to those customers who present their “I Voted” sticker. Note: one per customer only and valid for dine-in only. www.cobblestonene.com
Blackbird Doughnuts
Adele sang for her Blackbird Doughnuts — at least, she told fans at her TD Garden concert earlier this fall that she enjoyed four Boston Crème doughnuts from Blackbird while in town. You don’t have to sing, but you do have to vote to get your free mini doughnut here on Election Day. The South End shop in Boston bakes on site with natural and locally-sourced ingredients and has been especially pro-active during the election season on social media educating voters on where and how to vote. www.blackbirddoughnuts.com
Bukowski Tavern
Things will surely heat up at this Cambridge tavern on Election Day — thanks to Chef Brian Poe, who will give out two-ounce bottles of homemade hot sauce to customers wearing their “I Voted” stickers. The sauce is inspired by Clinton’s favorite brand, Ninja Squirrel, says a restaurant spokeswoman. Chef Poe will also cook up president-themed specials, including the Ken Bone (bone marrow with chive vinaigrette and toast points), named for the voter from Illinois who became an Internet sensation following the second presidential debate. www.bukowskitavern.net
Ma Maison
Diners at this Beacon Hill French bistro will get a bowl of the award-winning gruyere and munster onion soup when they sit down for lunch or dinner — compliments of Chef Jacky Robert. The freebie is based on the honor system, but why not wear your “I Voted” sticker — a soup and sticker selfie is a perfect Instagram photo op. www.mamaisonboston.com
Pauli’s
There’s a sweet deal at this North End sandwich shop that serves subs, burgers, lobster rolls, pasta and more. You’ll get a free cookie (oatmeal, chocolate chip, sugar) or double chocolate chip brownie with your order — but remember to wear your “I Voted” sticker. www.paulisnorthend.com
Omni Parker House and Omni Mount Washington Resort
Order a cocktail from the “Polling for Cocktails” menu on Election Day, and show your “I Voted’ sticker, and you’ll get a comped appetizer. You’ll find several themed cocktails on the menu, including the Trump-tini (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, lemon and cranberry juices, Domaine Chandon Brut, and a sugared rim) and the Hilla-rita (DeKuyper Amaretto, Generaciones Reposado, fresh orange and lime juices, agave nectar, and a sugar and salt rim). The “I Voted” app deal is offered only at the bars located in the Omni Parker House in Boston and Omni Mt. Washington in Bretton Woods, N.H. www.omnihotels.com
Laurie Wilson can be reached at laurieheather@yahoo.com.