For one bakery, a presidential election means sugar cookies.

Lochel’s Bakery is swamped with orders. It is in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. People drive several hours to buy the cookies. Orders for shipments come from as far away as Alaska.

The bakery sells assorted goodies. Customers enjoy donuts, cakes, and turnovers. Every four years, the bakery adds special treats. These are four-inch sugar cookies. One type has blue and white sprinkles. It’s labeled with the words “Harris 2024.” Another cookie has red and white sprinkles. It reads “Trump 2024.” These represent presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. 

When customers buy a cookie, the bakery keeps track. Workers count sales as if they are actual votes. Who will win this year? So far, former President Trump is in the lead.

The cookie poll started in 2008. It picked the winner for three elections in a row. However, the poll failed to choose the correct winner in 2020. That’s when former President Trump lost to current President Joe Biden.

“It’s definitely not scientific,” says Kathy Lochel. She and her husband own the bakery. The sweets are just a delicious way to celebrate the election. 

This year, the cookies are even more popular than they were in 2020.

For now, the bakery guarantees shipments will arrive by Election Day. That’s November 5. But some customers drive long distances to get orders sooner. 

Election seasons can be tough. Sometimes there’s nasty name-calling. Folks tire of constant campaign ads. At Lochel’s, people stay pleasant and positive. They just want to buy cookies. 

Whether customers choose red or blue cookies, they’re friendly, Mrs. Lochel says. They laugh, joke, and buy other sweets too.

Did you know that Pennsylvania is a swing state this year? Learn about this term in What’s a Swing State?

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. — Ephesians 4:29