Customers Show Their Political Colors at Pester Marketing Stores

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- Pester Marketing Co., which operates the Alta Convenience and 1st Stop convenience store chains, is giving its customers the chance to proclaim their political affiliation and "vote" during store visits. When purchasing a 32-ounce fountain drink, customers can choose between red Republican and blue Democrat 2012 election year cups.

The campaign started in early July and will run through the November elections. As of Sept. 3, 73,987 cup votes have been cast, the company stated. Each of the 49 participating stores in Colorado, Kansas and Hastings, Neb., is tracking the number of cups purchased and posts a running tally. Company-wide results are updated daily at www.altaconvenience.com.

"With this campaign, we hope to create excitement surrounding this year's presidential election and to encourage all to participate through their right to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012," said Pester Marketing President and CEO Rich Spresser.

As of Sept. 3, Republicans had the edge, with 50.36 percent of cups purchased.

In addition to its retail operations, Pester Marketing operates Alta Fuels, its wholesale subsidiary.