Ep 176: Voting and America’s Best Restroom 2025 Finalists
How Voting Got Its Timelines
Before 1845, each state could hold its elections whenever it wanted—so long as the results were in 34 days before the first Wednesday in December. That meant a state could, in theory, say, “Happy New Year, now go vote!” and still be legal.
But states being states, they tried to outdo each other by holding elections earlier and earlier to avoid being influenced by other states’ results. It was like a backwards relay race with less running and more paperwork.
Finally, Congress said, “Enough.” In 1845, they set a national Election Day: the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Why? Farmers. This gave them Sunday for church, Monday for travel, Tuesday to vote, and then back to the farm before next Sunday rolled around. That’s right—our modern Election Day exists because travel was horse-and-buggy slow and cows don’t milk themselves.
Voter Registration: A Blessing, a Curse, and Sometimes a Weapon
Massachusetts kicked off the first voter registration in 1800, originally just to make sure you were a tax-paying citizen. Over time, other states added… less noble requirements—anti-immigrant, anti-Black, and other discriminatory rules designed to limit who could vote.
Fast forward to 1993: The National Voter Registration Act (aka “Motor Voter”) let you register when getting your driver’s license, promoted mail-in ballots, and set a hard deadline—30 days before an election. Because, believe it or not, you can’t register to vote in the parking lot 45 seconds before the polls close.
Absentee ballots started during the Civil War so soldiers could vote from the front lines. Now they’re used for people who can’t make it to the polls… and for entire states like Oregon that decided in-person voting was so last century.
Deadlines Matter—Except to Cintas
Voting deadlines exist so officials can count votes, staff polling places, and generally keep democracy from looking like a middle school group project. Which is why it drives me bananas when deadlines aren’t followed.
Case in point: Cintas’s America’s Best Restroom competition. Every July, they promise to release the finalists “by the end of July.” Every year, I check their site like a hopeful kid at Christmas. And every year, I’m greeted by the same ugly placeholder page.
This year? No finalists in July. None. Zero. Nada. They didn’t post until a week into August. That’s like moving Christmas to January 7th without telling anyone.
And because of that delay, they gave us only one week to vote. Normally we get two weeks! Cintas, you are the voting equivalent of showing up to a potluck with a single bag of croutons.
FINALISTS.
There are 9 finalists this year, and I will be sharing them straight from the ABR website in the order they are presented.
1) Bear Head Lake State Park, Minnesota.
Nestled within one of Minnesota’s most beloved parks, the restroom and shower building at Bear Head Lake State Park provides more than just function—it offers thoughtful design in a stunning setting. With a fully accessible layout that meets all ADA guidelines, this facility ensures comfort for all visitors. The exterior dishwashing sinks are a camper-friendly touch, providing a convenient space to clean up without trekking back to a waterless site. Surrounded by the serene beauty that earned Bear Head Lake the title of America’s Favorite State Park in 2010, this restroom is proof that practicality and natural beauty can go hand in hand.
2) City of Fruita, Colorado
This self-cleaning restroom is a standout example of modern public infrastructure that combines technology, sustainability and practicality. Designed with an automated cleaning system, it sanitizes the toilet and floor after each use, ensuring a consistently hygienic environment with minimal need for manual upkeep. Built from durable, vandal-resistant materials like fiber-reinforced concrete and galvanized steel, and coated with anti-graffiti protection, it’s well-suited for high-traffic areas. The restroom is also ADA-compliant and equipped with safety features, such as automated locking and emergency exits. With energy-efficient LED lighting and low water consumption, the unit supports environmental sustainability.
3) Footprints in Lawrence, Kansas
What was once a cramped, outdated restroom was transformed into a whimsical, locally inspired barn-themed restroom that reflects the rich agricultural heritage of Kansas. Designed and built by local artists and craftsmen, the space features custom ceramic tile work, including farm animals, corncobs and a WREN flour sack that nods to the town’s milling history. With a playful mix of art and history, this memorable restroom turns a necessity into an experience rooted in place, purpose, and pride.
Note, the cool stone laid art work that makes up the wall and the tp roll where the pig’s but should be, it’s the little things.
4) Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, Utah
The restrooms at Little America are designed to leave a lasting impression, including the lobby restroom, often referred to as the iconic Pink Restroom. Wrapped in imported Italian marble and featuring floor-to-ceiling stall doors with crystal chandeliers, it combines elegance with unmatched privacy. Just beyond the stalls, a plush sitting room offers softly lit vanities, French Richelieu furnishings and English wool carpet. The blush-pink palette ties the entire space together, creating a serene, refined atmosphere. Whether dining, shopping or attending an event, guests are sure to remember this serene space as part of the signature Little America charm.
It’s very pink and reminds me of old fancy people.
5) Moderne Bar Orlando, Florida
Step into the spotlight at The Moderne Bar in Orlando, where the restrooms are just as iconic as the cocktails. Featuring striking black-and-white tiling, gleaming gold accents, and elegant marble countertops, the restrooms have become thego-to photo spot for guests looking to capture that perfect glam shot. The restrooms also received a nomination for “Best Bar Restroom” in Orlando Weekly’s annual “Best Of” awards.
It reminds me of the great gatsby movie, but I love the fixtures.
6) The rooftop at pier 7 New York, NY
The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City features expansive, luxurious restrooms with stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Designed with both elegance and accessibility in mind, the space includes 75 stalls and well-maintained family-friendly facilities. Smooth concrete walls, soft lighting and stylish ADA-compliant sinks create a clean, modern atmosphere. Natural light pours in from oversized windows, enhancing the airy, open feel of the restroom. The restrooms offer a thoughtful extension of the rooftop’s upscale experience.
The view is super cool.
7) Rosebrook Lodge Bretton Woods, NH
Located at the Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, the award-winning Rosebrook Lodge features restrooms that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship found throughout the property. The entrance welcomes guests with warm wood tones that mirror the lodge’s natural alpine surroundings. Inside, modern finishes like sleek stone flooring, geometric wall tiles and touchless fixtures combine with subtle design accents to create a clean, calming environment. Full-length stall doors, integrated lighting, and stylish mirrors add both privacy and polish. Like the lodge itself, the restrooms balance luxury and functionality with thoughtful design rooted in the surrounding landscape. The Rosebrook Lodge sits atop the Bretton Woods Ski Area’s Skyway Gondola and is a recipient of Hospitality Design’s Awards for Excellence, as well as the American Institute of Architects’ Merit Awards.
Very minimalistic.
8) Tatsu in Dallas, TX
Every detail matters at Tatsu, including the restroom. From the crystal-clear mirrors to the polished fixtures, the spotless and elegant space echoes the meticulous care shown throughout the meal. A fresh, clean scent creates an inviting and comforting atmosphere for guests. The restroom features a sophisticated Toto toilet and walls adorned with vivid Koi fish, adding a whimsical yet calming touch. The thoughtfully designed restroom reflects Tatsu’s broader commitment to hygiene, especially in the kitchen, where culinary creativity comes to life.
The coy fish painting on the wall is cool and it’s a unique bathroom.
9) Tecolote Shores San Diego CA
The new restroom at Tecolote Shores in San Diego is designed for functionality and coastal charm. It features eight all-gender restrooms, including two spacious, ADA-accessible family restrooms. Inside, slip-resistant epoxy flooring handles wet, sandy feet. Amenities include an exterior shower, three drinking fountains, a bottle filler, and four sinks. A modern butterfly roof and Pacific blue accents complement the natural CMU block, blending seamlessly with the park’s architecture and capturing that classic San Diego beach vibe.
In Conclusion: Deadlines Are Sacred
Whether it’s voting for the leader of the free world or the bathroom with the best pig-butt TP holder, deadlines keep things fair and predictable. Break them, and you end up with cranky podcasters recording at 10:30 p.m. and pounding sparkling water to stay awake.
So vote early. Vote often (once a day for bathrooms, legally). And Cintas—next year, let’s try July 31st, okay? My kajamas and I would appreciate it.
