Signature Gatherers in San Francisco Offer Cash for Ballot Initiative Petitions Amid Investigation

SAN FRANCISCO — Reports have emerged of masked individuals in San Francisco offering cash and pizza to pedestrians in exchange for signatures on petitions for California ballot initiatives. The activity took place in public areas, where gatherers approached people to solicit their names and addresses.

California law prohibits paying individuals directly for providing signatures on ballot petitions, classifying such exchanges as a misdemeanor.

State officials have confirmed they are investigating the reports.

ballot initiative process allows citizens to propose laws or constitutional amendments through petitions requiring a specific number of valid signatures.

Signature gathering is a key phase, often conducted by paid contractors hired by campaign committees supporting or opposing the initiatives. The process is regulated to ensure signatures are collected voluntarily and without coercion. The reported incident in San Francisco occurred amid a busy period for signature collection.

Multiple initiatives are in circulation. Authorities emphasize that while campaigns can compensate gatherers per shift or hour worked, direct incentives to signers undermine the integrity of the process.

investigators are reviewing witness accounts and any available video footage from the San Francisco incidents.

No arrests have been reported as of the latest updates, but officials have urged the public to report similar occurrences. This event affects campaigns relying on grassroots support, potentially impacting voter turnout and public trust in the initiative system.

Stakeholders, including initiative sponsors and election watchdogs, are monitoring the situation closely. Further details on the investigation's progress are expected from state officials in the coming weeks.