In brief
California election officials are currently investigating reports of signature collectors in San Francisco offering payment for signatures on ballot petitions, allegedly using false names. A video surfaced showing individuals lining up to sign a petition, with collectors instructing them on the names to use. The state emphasizes that such practices, including offering money for signatures, violate election laws. Campaigns are cooperating with authorities to address any fraudulent submissions.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California election officials stated on Friday that they are investigating reports that signature collectors in San Francisco may have illegally offered payments for signatures on ballot petitions, using fabricated names in the process. A video circulating on X depicted a collection site where a sign advertised payment of $5 per signature, with a gathering of people waiting to participate.The video also showed a woman at a table instructing signers on what names and addresses to provide. When questioned about the petitions, she responded simply, Just sign it.The California secretary of state's office confirmed their awareness of the situation and is actively investigating. In California, campaigns can place measures on ballots via signature collection, which often incentivizes collectors through payment methods for each signature secured. One petition featured in the video pertained to a tech-backed initiative aimed at opposing a proposed tax on billionaires and was associated with a committee called Building a Better California, founded by wealthy figures such as Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who contributed $20 million to the cause.According to Molly Weedn, a spokesperson for the campaign, the signature collectors involved are not directly linked to their effort, and the campaign is fully cooperating with authorities to invalidate any petitions filled with false information. Under no circumstance do we tolerate this type of activity, Weedn stressed, indicating the campaign acted swiftly upon receiving the video evidence.Another petition seen in the video was also backed by Building a Better California, focusing on prohibiting new taxes on retirement savings. Nathan Click, a spokesperson for the campaign, expressed their commitment against any fraudulent activity in their signature collection processes and stated they had demanded accountability from their signature-gathering firm.California election law categorically prohibits offering money or gifts in exchange for ballot measure signatures, stressing the importance of integrity in the electoral process. The secretary of state’s office stated that signatures are reviewed against voter registration records, and non-matching signatures will not be acknowledged. Additionally, it is considered a crime to circulate or file petitions containing known forgery. The investigation continues as officials strive to uphold the integrity of the electoral system.
