Portsmouth Brewery Forced to Cancel Free Beer For Voters

Looks like the Federal Election Commission is forcing Portsmouth Brewery to cancel their “Free Beer for Voters” program.  Details from SeacoastOnLine:

PORTSMOUTH — A local brewery that was planning to reward voters today with the promise of a free beer has been forced to call off the promotion after learning the offer violates federal election law.

“With such a close race, many outcomes will likely be decided by voter turnout. Both parties seek to energize their base to get less-motivated voters off of their apathy couches. Whether you’re firmly planted in the core of your chosen party or you’re not sure who is really going to do a better job over the next two, four or six years; the most important thing you can do is think about your options and actually go vote,” according to the newsletter.

The offer was a popular topic on Twitter on Tuesday, as users made plans to visit the brewery at lunch time.

But brewery officials on Tuesday said they must rescind the offer to thirsty voters due to a federal election law that prevents a business from giving any kind of reward or discount in exchange for voting.

JT Thompson, spokesman for Smuttynose Brewing Co. and The Portsmouth Brewery, said the company is disappointed about having to take back the offer. Thompson said unfortunately the Federal Election Commission bars rewarding voting with material goods.
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