I voted sticker. MWC file photo
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An incentive-based “get out the vote” campaign was canceled Tuesday, after concerns about its legality were raised.
Several organizations – United Front for Social Change, 9to5 Wisconsin, Casa Alba Melanie, COMSA, and We All Rise – were offering free rides to the polls, free food, an open bar, and prizes for social media influencers who got the most people out to vote.
The social media influence portion of the event included prizes up to $1,000 for getting the most people to the polls.
However, Brown County District Attorney David Lase, wrote the groups an email questioning the legality of the event.
“I have significant concerns about this event, but more particularly the social media influencer competition as it may run afoul of Section 12.11 of the Wisconsin Statutes which prohibits ‘election bribery’,” Lasee wrote. “Therefore, I would strongly encourage that whomever may be responsible for the social media competition immediately discontinue that activity. Further, to the extent that you intend to hold the event, which publicizes free food, drinks, and rides to the polls, that you be keenly aware of the restriction set forth in the above referenced statute. Specifically, that making any item of value available based on whether someone votes or does not vote would violate the law.”
In a Facebook post today, Casa ALBA Melanie said “This contest is canceled to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.” It did not mention Lasee’s letter.
We All Rise African American Resource Center posted the letter, saying “Our efforts to encourage citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote have been cancelled.”
“As a nonprofit, nonpartisan collective we have for over a decade served the most marginalized people in Green Bay. BECAUSE we love our city we recognize that the homeless, hungry, abused, legal immigrants and most vulnerable mental health populations deserve to have ALL barriers removed to participate in our great electoral process. To all those influenced by our previous message –we believe our votes are our voice! We have given rides, provided the website to register and hosted offerings to support voter education. We recognize the laws change and we will ensure our common community celebrations year round are in compliance. We will continue to encourage youth participation and support our innate rights to vote. Our intention was to engage voters by utilizing modern social media strategies as an alternative to traditional methods like door-knocking and phone banking. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused,” the post states.
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