In California, paying someone to vote could result in a $10,000 fine or jail

"Starting next year, offering money or prizes for voting or registering to vote will be criminalized in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, Oct. 2, said he signed two election reform bills into law, including one that criminalizes lotteries for voter registration or participation. From Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, the idea is to ensure wealthy people or special interests cannot influence voter participation."

"Newsom also said he signed another bill from Umberg. This one will let California voters decide in November 2026 whether to overturn the statewide prohibition on counties and most cities setting up a public fund for campaign financing. If voters did so, it would be up to local governments and the state whether to enact public financing programs, along with requirements to ensure accountability and fairness."

California will criminalize offering money or prizes for voting or registering starting next year, with violators facing fines up to $10,000 and up to five years imprisonment. The law targets lotteries for voter registration or participation and received broad bipartisan support in the state Legislature. A second law will place a 2026 ballot question allowing voters to decide whether to lift the statewide ban on counties and most cities creating public campaign financing funds. If approved, local governments and the state would set up public financing programs subject to accountability and fairness requirements. Supporters say the change reduces wealthy influence; opponents warn taxpayers may fund speech they oppose.

Read at www.ocregister.com