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7-Eleven® Closes 7-Election™ Coffee Cup Poll with Free Cup

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Nov 07, 2016, 10:06 ET

IRVING, Texas, Nov. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tomorrow is a big day for America. That's because 7-Eleven^® stores are serving up FREE coffee on Election Day, the first time the retailer has done so. The fifth quadrennial 7-Election^™ Presidential Coffee Cup Poll officially ends Election Day, and 7-Eleven is closing out the big day in a big way by giving away cups of fresh-brewed coffee, the retailer's most popular proprietary beverage.

The fifth quadrennial 7-Election(TM) Presidential Coffee Cup Poll officially ends Election Day, and 7-Eleven is closing out the big day in a big way by giving away cups of fresh-brewed coffee for free.

ALL size cups and flavors of hot beverages are free through the 7-Eleven mobile app. The free offer will appear automatically as a coupon each day in the "Scan and Save" section of the app at 12 midnight Tuesday, Nov. 8. No purchase is necessary to receive a free, fresh-brewed cup of coffee, cappuccino, latte or hot chocolate at participating 7-Eleven stores. The free cup will count as a star in the 7Rewards^® ongoing "Buy Six Cups, Get the Seventh Cup Free" offer.

While millions of voters across the U.S. will be entering the election booth to cast their ballot tomorrow, coffee lovers can also participate in the 7-Election poll one last time. In every U.S. presidential campaign since 2000, 7-Eleven has conducted its popular 7-Election coffee cup poll. The campaign encourages customers to "cast their cups" by purchasing coffee in specially marked 7-Election cups. Coffee drinkers can choose from three premium extra-large Stay Hot cups – blue Democrat, red Republican and, new this year, a nonpartisan, purple "Speak Up" cup. Customers can use #7ELECTION to join the conversation on social media.

"This is our fifth 7-Election coffee cup poll, and the first Election Day to give this coffee-loving democracy a free cup of fresh-brewed coffee," said Laura Gordon, 7-Eleven vice president of marketing and brand innovation. "We invite customers to cast their last 7-Election vote before the polls close tomorrow."

With 7-Election, the convenience retailer has been an entertaining part of the political conversation during the past four presidential elections in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. In each of the previous 7-Elections, a staggering 6 million cups (ballots) were cast, and results in each mirrored those in the "real" elections. Most chose the new Speak Up cup this year, but of those choosing blue or red, the Democrats have a slight lead heading into Election Day.

The new Speak Up cup encouraged customers to discuss or write in what's important to them this election season and share on social media with the hashtag #7ELECTION. And they weren't shy about sharing their views. In fact, the Speak Up cup was the clear winner in this year's 7-Election coffee cup poll.

"Independent" coffee-lovers wrote in third-party candidates or none of the above, or checked the boxes on the back of the cup for the environment, world peace and equal rights. Others added issues like affordable daycare and education, or encouraged people to register to vote. Some had fun with it, writing in such pressing concerns as phone screens that don't crack, better lighting for selfies and Cubs winning the World Series. And many of our customers were just happy 7-Eleven offered them a valid third voting option.

"Voters, particularly younger ones, aren't just talking about candidates or even political parties this election. They're taking to social media to talk about a variety of issues that are important to them," said Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, 7-Eleven chief merchandising officer. "The Speak Up cup lets people say and share what's on their mind."

While a nonpartisan beverage enjoyed by Democrats and Republicans alike, coffee does have deep political roots in American history. In 1607, Captain John Smith of Virginia introduced coffee in America, and it was named the national beverage by the First Continental Congress after the Boston Tea Party.

Becoming a 7Rewards member is easy. Customers can download the 7-Eleven mobile app on their smartphones and register to take advantage of free coffee on Election Day. The free coffee offer does not include Chillers Iced Coffee.

Limited-time offers are available at participating locations. Pricing may vary by store. Tax where applicable.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven^® operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 60,000 stores in 18 countries, including 10,700 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee^®, Big Bite^® and Big Gulp^®, 7-Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7-Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select^® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7-Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards^® customer loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.