How to stress-eat your way through Election Day with free food

Election Day may be a stressful or emotional time for many, and a bunch of fast-food chains are stepping up with free comfort food to help you cope.

Are these deals little more than gimmicks to get you in the door (or app) to spend more money? Absolutely. But hey, everyone needs to eat. And the fast-food industry — a zero-loyalty business with razor-thin margins — relies on these short-term promotions to boost sales from time to time.

Here are some of the big chains offering deals or freebies on Election Day.

Burger King

Through Grubhub, Burger King is offering $3 off orders of $18 or more.

Jersey Mike’s

The sandwich chain is offering a free turkey sub and free delivery on orders of $10 or more on Election Day for orders placed through Grubhub.

Krispy Kreme

Visitors get an “I Voted” sticker and a free glazed doughnut on Election Day. Apparently, you don’t even have to prove you voted to get the sticker, but do the honest thing and go out and vote first.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is giving away one of its three new McCafe items — an apple fritter, a blueberry muffin or a cinnamon roll — free with a purchase of a hot or iced coffee on orders placed through its app. The promotion runs from Nov. 3 through Nov. 9. So, technically you can keep the free carb train rolling all week.

P.F. Chang’s

If you’ve never ordered from P.F. Chang’s before, you’re in luck. The chain is doing a $10 off deal for new diners through Grubhub.

Wendy’s

Until Nov. 8, Wendy’s customers can get a free Classic Chicken Sandwich with any purchase. It’s “classic” but also new: Wendy’s is promoting it as a crispier and juicier fried chicken than its predecessor.