Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has gained attention for its election cookie poll, which started in 2008. The bakery is currently experiencing a surge in cookie orders, with customers traveling from long distances to partake in this whimsical voting system where sugar cookies represent support for presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. This year has seen unprecedented sales, surpassing previous elections. The bakery maintains a lighthearted atmosphere amidst the political climate, proving that cookies can unite people, regardless of their political affiliations.
Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, has become a notable destination for its unique election cookie poll, a lighthearted initiative that has gained unforeseen popularity since its inception during the 2008 presidential campaign. Customers are traveling from considerable distances, some as far away as Alaska, to purchase cookies featuring the campaign themes of the presidential candidates, namely Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Each 4-inch round sugar cookie represents a vote in this informal poll, with blue and white sprinkles signifying support for Harris and red and white for Trump. The bakery’s cookie poll has demonstrated an impressive track record, accurately predicting the result of the elections for the first three cycles, although it faltered in 2020 when Donald Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Kathy Lochel, a proprietor of the bakery, recounted how sales surged during the last election, when thousands of cookies were purchased. “It is just a fun, non-stressful tally that we are taking. It is definitely not scientific. It is just a delicious way I say to take the pressure off with what is going on with the election, all the ads, all the campaign stuff, just a cookie,” stated Lochel. This year, sales are reportedly exceeding those from 2020, leading to a backlog in orders. Lochel expressed confidence that shipments would arrive by Election Day on November 5, albeit with delays for shipped orders. The bakery’s location in a battleground region of Pennsylvania, combined with the proximity to a politically engaged public, appears to bolster interest in these cookies. The cookie poll results, as of the latest reports, show Trump leading significantly with 12,558 votes compared to Harris’s 889, a discrepancy that surpasses traditional polling. Despite the intense political climate, the atmosphere at the bakery remains friendly and jovial, as customers engage with each other over their cookie selections. Lochel conveyed, “The people that are coming into our store, whether they are buying red or blue cookies, they are friendly, they joke, they laugh, they buy other things.”
The election cookie poll at Lochel’s Bakery originated as a light-hearted engagement between the bakery owners and their customers during the 2008 presidential election. Initially a joke, this initiative has transformed into a widely recognized tradition in the local community, drawing significant attention and participation during each election cycle. The cookies serve not only as a sweet treat but also as a medium for customers to express their political preferences in a non-traditional, enjoyable manner. The bakery’s unique marketing approach has garnered nationwide interest, resulting in substantial sales and traffic, especially during pivotal election years, reflecting the intersection of consumer behavior with political engagement.
The phenomenon of Lochel’s Bakery’s election cookie poll illustrates the enduring appeal of community engagement in political processes, emphasizing a lighthearted approach to an otherwise serious subject. The bakery’s successful initiative not only encourages local community participation but also fosters a positive and friendly atmosphere during a politically charged period. The significant increase in orders and customer interaction indicates a growing cultural trend where food and politics intersect, highlighting the bakery’s role as a microcosm of the broader electoral engagement.
Original Source: whyy.org
