[EL] Legality of Voting Incentives

[Steve Kolbert]

With regard to 18 USC 597 (the relevant statute covering inducements in
federal elections), the prohibition covers only "expenditures" as an
inducement. I don't imagine that providing extra credit in a college class
qualifies as an "expenditure."

There may be other statutes, particularly in state law, that cover
inducements more broadly. Perhaps someone on the list knows?

Steve Kolbert
(202) 422-2588
steve.kolbert at gmail.com
@Pronounce_the_T
On Oct 4, 2012 12:01 PM, "Primo, David" <david.primo at rochester.edu> wrote:

> ** ** ** ** ** ** **
>
> A question for the list:  I recall in 2008 Starbucks and other companies
> were smacked down when they attempted to give free products on Election Day
> to anybody who said that they voted, as they seemed to be running afoul of
> federal laws regarding incentives for voting in federal elections.  ****
>
> ** **
>
> But what about this real-world scenario that a colleague at another school
> relayed:  A faculty member has a policy of awarding an entire class extra
> credit if more than half of the class votes.  Is this an illegal
> inducement?  Does it matter that the reward is not tied to individual
> behavior but rather to collective behavior, so that you can get the extra
> credit even if you choose to free ride?****
>
> ** **
>
> Dave****
>
>  ****
>
> David M. Primo****
>
> Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor****
>
> Associate Professor of Political Science and Business Administration****
>
> Director of Graduate Studies, Political Science****
>
> ******University** of **Rochester**********
>
> Harkness Hall 318 (Political Science Dept.)****
>
> ******Rochester**, **NY** **14627-0146**********
>
> ****585.273.4779********
>
> Fax:  585.271.1616****
>
> david.**primo**@rochester.edu****
>
> http://www.rochester.edu/College/PSC/primo****
>
> ** **
>
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