South Africans heading to the polls on 4 November can look forward to more than just making their mark. Two major food brands are rewarding voters with free treats on Election Day.

Wimpy and Krispy Kreme are both offering giveaways to customers who show proof that they voted, giving people one more reason to head out after visiting their local voting station.

Free coffee at Wimpy

Wimpy is bringing back its popular Cups for Votes campaign for Election Day. Voters who show their inked thumb at a participating Wimpy branch can claim a free Regular Famous Wimpy Coffee.

For those who do not drink coffee, Wimpy is also offering a free regular hot chocolate as an alternative.

The deal is aimed at customers who have cast their vote on the day, and no extra purchase is required to claim the drink.

Krispy Kreme offering free doughnuts

Krispy Kreme is also joining the Election Day promotions. Customers who show their inked finger at a Krispy Kreme store can get a free Original Glazed Doughnut.

The offer is valid on 4 November only and applies at Krispy Kreme shops. As with most promotional giveaways, the doughnuts are available while stocks last.

That means customers may want to get there early if they do not want to miss out.

A sweet reward for voting

The promotions form part of a wider trend of South African brands encouraging civic participation by rewarding people for voting.

For customers, it is a simple process. Vote first, keep the ink visible on your thumb, then visit a participating branch to claim the freebie.

While the offers may be a fun extra, the bigger message remains the same: South Africans are being encouraged to get out, vote and take part in the democratic process.

If you are planning your Election Day route, it may be worth adding a Wimpy or Krispy Kreme stop after the ballot box.