Unsupported Claims About Election Fraud
After the Los Angeles mayoral primary, false conspiracy theories surfaced on social media regarding the election result. Rumors suggested that TV personality Spencer Pratt’s fall from the race involved fraud. One claim stated he received no votes, which was debunked by the U.S. attorney’s office. Another false story accused homeless individuals’ ballots of causing his loss.
Allegations and Reactions
Some spread these allegations without evidence, leaning on inaccurate information. A TikTok user posted videos with Skid Row residents who alleged being paid to vote for Mayor Karen Bass. Bass, the incumbent, advanced to the runoff with Councilmember Nithya Raman. Pratt initially led but fell to third as more votes were counted.
In response, L.A. County election officials stated no evidence existed of people voting for Bass for $5. The woman in the video was registered in Inglewood, not Los Angeles.
Campaigns Address Accusations
Alex Stack, Bass’ campaign spokesman, called the vote-buying claim “absurd,” likening it to Trump’s unfounded election fraud assertions.
On investigating the TikTok videos’ site, Times reporters failed to locate the individuals. Experts noted that such incidents, even if true, wouldn’t alter election outcomes. Christopher R. Hallenbrook, a political science professor, described the claim as incapable of changing results in an election with over 750,000 voters.
Voter Misconduct Investigations
Rick Hasen, a law professor, argued that any documented misconduct should be investigated, although there’s no indication of widespread fraud that could have influenced results. Attempting to influence elections by paying voters would prove costly and risky.
Factors Influencing Voting Results
According to Hasen, Spencer Pratt’s third-place finish results from the scarcity of Republicans in Los Angeles, a city with a diverse Democratic base.
Interviews with Skid Row residents showed they hadn’t been approached to vote for a candidate. Many didn’t participate in the election, with some expressing disbelief about the vote-buying claims.
Voter Petition Scandals
While a few recalled cash payments for signing ballot petitions, such activities don’t indicate larger election fraud. In May, a Marina del Rey woman admitted in court to paying Skid Row individuals for voter registration, an act unrelated to the mayoral election.
Addressing Homeless Voter Registration
The Midnight Mission, alleged to have more registered voters than beds, clarified its services. An accurate assessment showed varying daily attendance by people utilizing its resources, including mail, food, and shelter.
According to the California secretary of state, homeless individuals can register to vote using any location of frequent presence. Mike Sanchez of the county recorder’s office noted that registration records don’t confirm frequent residency at service sites.
Hasen defended the registration of homeless individuals, framing it as a positive move towards inclusive voting rights.