OAKLAND, Calif.—As voters dropped off ballots nationwide on Tuesday, some lucky voters in Oakland, Calif., got a new sex toy for their efforts.
Nenna Joiner, owner of adult boutique Feelmore, took a box of vibrators to share with voters waiting in long lines at the Alameda County Court House.
“The streets were bare, so I started following Twitter and Facebook to see that everyone was out voting with precincts crowded like Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices without seats. So, it was an opportunity for Feelmore to participate in the democratic process as a small business. When you have a captive audience, you go for it,” Joiner said.
In New Orleans, voters were given Daiquiris’, pizza at the polls in Nevada, etc. This was an opportunity for Feelmore to be with the people and to be relevant at the moment. Voters must be 18 or older and because of political wedge issues, most voters were young and progressive. One vibrator recipient Nenna encountered said they were a former Sex Worker and now a security guard.
Feelmore gave away vibrators to weary voters sitting on floors and standing in lines. "One vote equals one vibe" is what Nenna told voters. While there, Feelmore caught the attention of a local newspaper, Oakland North, which sent out reporters to capture Nenna in action.
Given the posts and exchanges on social media, voters everywhere were obviously at the wrong location or commented that the vibrators were a true motivation to vote.
“It was a joy to participate in such a way that truly invigorated the base of voters. I think Feelmore got their votes,” Nenna said.
For more, visit Feelmore510.com.
Photo by Julie Chang
