SEATTLE, WA -- This presidential election year has seen a monumental increase in voter participation, according to poll-watchers. With 2008’s historic vote coming to a close Tuesday evening, all sorts of groups and organizations have ramped up their efforts to ensure everyone who can vote does.
To demonstrate that even adult entertainment businesses take an interest in the political process, retailer Babeland has made an uncommon offer: “Stop by a Babeland store in New York or Seattle November 4th - 11th and bring your voter registration card, voting stub or word of honor. If you voted, we’ll give you a Silver Bullet or a Maverick sleeve (get it?) for free. Yes, FREE. It’s because we value voting that much.”
According to a Babeland press release, the rewards are reminders of this year’s campaign rhetoric. The Maverick, a male toy, is “always there to lend a hand, he works for every man and he bucks the status quo.” The Silver Bullet for women is a mini-vibe that’s “a magical solution to difficult problems” and “a great stress-reliever during these troubled economic times.”
Babeland, founded by two women in 1993 to address a perceived shortage of women-friendly sex shops, is not above a little tongue-in-cheek rhetoric of its own. The combination of politics and sex provides abundant fodder, according to spokeswoman Pamela Doan.
“Sex crosses party lines,” she told MSNBC.com. “We’ve tried to make this into a nonpartisan reward because we welcome everyone. That’s our philosophy and our mission. We didn’t want to reward only Obama supporters. We have a lot of Republicans who shop at Babeland too.
“We’re expecting a good response,” she added. “Both of these toys are very popular. The Maverick retails for $20 and the Silver Bullet retails for $15. It’s a good reward.”
Babeland isn’t alone in providing voter incentives. Ben & Jerry’s has promised free ice cream to everyone who votes. Starbucks is offering a free small coffee. Krispy Kreme is handing out “star-shaped doughnuts with patriotic sprinkles.” Todd Conner’s bar in Baltimore is serving free beer. Shane’s Rib Shack is treating voters to a free meal consisting of chicken tenders and a beverage. Zoo Atlanta has offered a reduced admission charge to voters and their families. And the restaurant Anaheim White House will provide each voter with a free bottle of champagne.
We like the sex toys best.
Kathee Brewer is an award-winning news, feature and opinion writer, editor and photojournalist. After five years of designing adult and mainstream websites, she spent seven years on staff at AVN Online before departing for the glamorous and financially fulfilling world of full-time freelancing. Food and shelter, she says, are overrated.
