• frustrated_phagocytosis@fedia.io
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    2 days ago

    Anyone know the relevant law against paying for votes in Texas? I’d like to report this happening in my state but they want me to cite the law being violated by offering money in exchange for voting a certain way.

    • SnoopSqueak@lemmy.today
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      1 day ago

      Idk about Texas specifically, but it seems there is a federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 597.

      Whoever makes or offers to make an expenditure to any person, either to vote or withhold his vote, or to vote for or against any candidate; and

      Whoever solicits, accepts, or receives any such expenditure in consideration of his vote or the withholding of his vote—

      Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

      https://law.justia.com/codes/us/title-18/part-i/chapter-29/sec-597/

      It kind of fails to account for the idea that someone rich enough to buy votes might not mind a fine. “Cost of doing business.”