Krispy Kreme locations in Georgia had started Election Day by promising a free doughnut to voters who showed up with their "I Voted" stickers.

Turns out, in Georgia you can’t only give voters free doughnuts.

The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office is warning businesses today that giving freebies and discounts that are only available to voters could potentially be illegal —and that they shouldn’t be doing it.

State law prohibits any sort of gift or favor for voting, and state officials said Tuesday that they want to avoid any questions of whether a business was trying to coerce votes.

The Secretary of State’s Office has already opened one investigation Tuesday about the practice —and said they were trying to avoid more.

In the case of Krispy Kreme, officials said a quick call to the company's corporate office corrected the issue. The company is now offering free doughnuts, no sticker required, at select locations available on the company's website.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene takes the stage during a rally for former President Donald Trump in Macon. (Ben Gray for the AJC 2024)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez