Broken Palate: This NYC Bakery is Treating Voters to Cookies

Broken Palate: This NYC Bakery is Treating Voters to Cookies

There are currently 12 days to Election Day (here’s a clock to help you keep track), with many states already opening up early voting sites and accepting mail-in ballots.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most important (and contentious) elections in the history of the United States. Whatever your views, everyone should exercise their right to vote.

Carol Becker of William Greenberg Desserts in New York City decided to reward voters in the sweetest way possible: with a cookie. Becker transformed William Greenberg’s iconic Black & White cookies into Red & Whites and Blue & Whites, offering to treat every voter who comes in with a cookie in the color scheme of their choice.

Becker says giving away cookies is more than a way to share baked goodness — it’s her civic duty. “I’m concerned about this election. It’s a consequential time in our country. No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, you have to go out and vote. I wanted to do something and get my voice out there.”

Becker decided the best way to help spread the word was to offer a sweet incentive: Everyone who stops into William Greenberg with their “I Voted” sticker (or other proof of voting in the case of mail-ins) receives their choice of a Red & White or a Blue & White cookie.

Both cookies, by the way, are equally delicious — which could be a metaphor and life lesson that we should all think of ourselves as equals no matter which side of the aisle we sit.

In addition, William Greenberg is selling the cookies both at the shops and online. They make a great treat for any Election Day party you might be planning and a portion of sales will go to organizations that help register people to vote.

Becker tells Broken Palate she’s just trying to get the word out to vote. “In New York, I think some people think their one individual vote doesn’t matter — but it does. My mother is 99. She can’t go to the polls, but she’s sending in her ballot. It’s that important.”

Becker hopes that people realize that voting is a privilege. “We’re so lucky to have Democratic elections. For me, voting is an annual tradition. I pushed my girls in strollers and took them to vote. Now they’re voting, themselves.

If you’re in New York City, claim your cookie by walking into either William Greenberg Desserts location (1100 Madison Avenue and 285 Amsterdam Avenue) and show your “I Voted” sticker (or other proof). You’ll receive a free cookie in your choice of colors (one free cookie per customer). The offer is good through 6 p.m., November 5 (election day).

In addition, you can order cookies in person or online at wmbreenbergdesserts.com.

P.S. — Yes, I asked which color cookie is more popular. Carol Becker replied: “There’s no question that the Blue & White ones are doing better. They’re flying off the shelves.”

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