Marty’s, 1666 Fourth St., violated the law Tuesday when it offered a free lunch to people who came into the restaurant and presented their voting receipts.

Marty’s owner, Dave Kinnaird, said he was offering a free hamburger and french fries to anyone who voted when he was informed by County Clerk Betty Coffrin that it was illegal.

The law states that a person cannot give out any favors for voting regardless of whether it is for a certain candidate or not, Coffrin said.

Coffrin said she became aware of the free lunch when she received a phone call from a Charleston resident who saw the free food sign at Marty’s and complained that it was inappropriate.

“You cannot offer anything of value for registration or a vote,” Coffrin said.

Kinnaird said he did not have any ulterior motives when he decided to offer free food for people who voted.

“We did it in the spirit of election day,” Kinnaird said.

The free lunch was not meant to endorse any particular candidates or to get anyone to vote for them, Kinnaird said.

“Really, we are just giving away hamburgers,” he said.

After Coffrin spoke to Kinnaird, he removed his promotional sign and stopped serving the free lunch. Kinnaird said he was told that his promotion may be misconstrued by residents.

Kinnaird said no one really took advantage of his offer, and he gave away five meals.

Marty’s is not receiving any punishment for the infraction.