L.A. to look at using money prizes to boost voter turnout in elections

[pwaldo]

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/l...814-story.html

Alarmed that fewer than one-fourth of voters are showing up for municipal elections, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission voted Thursday to recommend that the City Council look at using cash prizes to lure a greater number of people to the polls.

On a 3-0 vote, the panel said it wanted City Council President Herb Wesson's Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee to seriously consider the use of financial incentives and a random drawing during its elections, possibly as soon as next year.

Depending on the source of city funds, the idea could require a ballot measure. Commissioners said they were unsure how big the prizes should be or how many should be offered, saying a pilot program should first be used to test the concept.

"Maybe it's $25,000 maybe it's $50,000," said Commission President Nathan Hochman. "That's where the pilot program comes in -- to figure out what ... number and amount of prizes would actually get people to the voting box."

[37jetson]

So where is the money coming from? Most municipalties have tens of thousands of dollars laying around ready to give away to voters.

[Wickabee]

This is just...I mean how does...I weep for democracy.

[shrewsbury]

instead of giving out money, how about giving out a state ID? then we can require an ID to vote, no one can complain discrimination, and peoples life will be easier.

[Wickabee]

instead of giving out money, how about giving out a state ID? then we can require an ID to vote, no one can complain discrimination, and peoples life will be easier.

To be fair, handing out money and having door prizes for voting are two different things.

[gsj68]

lala land at its best

the people will get the government they deserve

if less then 1/4 of the people vote,shut up or vote, i mean,come on socal grow a brain