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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Buck for your ballot? Los Angeles considers cash prizes for voting

The Los Angeles government might soon offer an unconventional incentive for people to vote: cold hard cash.

At least, that's an option being floated by city officials desperate to boost what one called a "truly depressing" voter turnout in local elections. Last Thursday, the city's Ethics Commission voted to recommend that the Los Angeles City Council explore creating a drawing for a cash prize for anyone who casts a ballot.

"I think that this idea addresses a crisis for which I don't have any other short-term solutions," Ethics Commission President Nathan Hochman told FoxNews.com.

But the plan is running into some serious criticism.

"It's an affront to democracy," California attorney Troy Slaten told Fox News on Wednesday, voicing concern that the plan would attract people who may know nothing about the candidates, looking only for a cash payout.

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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I thought Democrats already did this.

Anonymous said...

I though California was BANKRUPT - last I heard the tax payers weren't even getting there tax returns!

Anonymous said...

Jose wants to know how many pesos will he get and will he be paid each time he votes?

Anonymous said...

Buying votes? That doesn't sound illegal.

Anonymous said...

as if voter fraud isn't enough of a problem already

Anonymous said...


More proof of the recession / depression.

Decades ago the going rate was $2.00 to vote.

Anonymous said...

since when is buying votes legal?