On Nov. 4, businesses were hoping to encourage and reward voters by offering free products to anyone who participated in the election, yet they were actually violating a law.

Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Ben & Jerry’s and many other stores announced last week that they would be handing out free food and drinks to customers with an “I Voted” sticker.

Yet the companies would have actually committed a felony, because such offers to voters could be seen as bribes, said a representative at the California Secretary of State hotline.

Such an incentive violates federal as well as state election laws, said the representative, and if stores wanted to continue with their endorsements they would have to offer freebies to anyone on election day.

Therefore, the stores quickly revised their promotions and offered freebies to anyone who mentioned the election special.

Starbucks officials released an official statement on Monday that “to ensure we are in compliance with election law, we are extending our offer to all customers who request a tall brewed coffee.”

Companies even advertised their election support on social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, which allowed people to R.S.V.P. if they were attending any of the store giveaways.

Moreover, Google officials announced on their blog yesterday that next to election state information, the most popular search was actually “free stuff for voting,” which peaked at approximately 11 a.m.

SF State’s Café Rosso, Station Café, Taza Wraps and Smoothies also participated in offering a free small coffee to people presenting a valid voter receipt, stub or sticker.

“This election is critically important to the future of our country, our state and the great City of San Francisco; I want to do everything possible to encourage the SFSU community to vote. I know that offering a complimentary cup of coffee can not compel you to vote; however, if I can provide that small incentive, I am more than happy to,” said Allam El Qadah, owner and operator of the cafes, in an official press release. “San Francisco is known for its passionate activism, and we have this opportunity to let our voices and our vote be heard in this historic election.”