Who said politics isn’t sweet? On Tuesday, the Eastern Market Ben & Jerry’s is partnering with MTV’s Rock the Vote effort to offer free ice cream and a voter registration drive to encourage local residents to let their voices be heard in the upcoming presidential election.

Ben & Jerry’s expects to offer more than 1 million free cones nationwide during its traditional free cone day. At the Eastern Market store at 327 Seventh St. SE, the free treats will be handed out from noon to 8 p.m. and voter registration will be taking place all day long. Ben & Jerry’s will also be encouraging customers to take an online “Oath to Vote” and giving away free iTunes downloads.

Following the free cone day, Ben & Jerry’s and Rock the Vote will also be registering voters at the Eastern Market location on several additional dates including May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11.

Hill House and Garden Tour Tickets on Sale

Looking for a way to show your mom you care? Take her to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s 47th Capitol Hill House and Garden Tour, an annual two-day extravaganza highlighting the finest in Hill architecture and horticulture taking place Mother’s Day weekend.

The festivities kick off at a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. May 8 at the Corner Store Artist Studio, located at 900 South Carolina Ave. SE. and continue the following day, May 9, from noon to 5 p.m. In addition to the home and garden tour, attendees will be treated to a Sunday tea at the historic Sewall-Belmont House at 144 Constitution Ave. NE.

Transportation between destinations will be provided Sunday, but each home can be viewed only once.

Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased at the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Eastern Market kiosk or by mail (by May 1). They can also be purchased on the tour weekend for $30. Proceeds go to benefit CHRS’ community grants program.  

For more information on ticket locations, the tour, or to obtain an order form, go to www.chrs.org or call (202) 543-0425.

— John McArdle and Bree Hocking