.
Feedback

U.S. Attorney: Illegal for Restaurants to Offer Voters Discounts

Restaurants offering 'I Voted' sticker holders discounts are violating the law, says the U.S. Attorney.

The U.S. Attorney in San Diego warned Tuesday that restaurants offering discounts to patrons who wear "I Voted" stickers from polling places are violating the law.

"The public is reminded that federal law prohibits expenditures to influence voting, including offers to make an expenditure to any person to vote or withhold his or her vote," U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said. "Federal law also prohibits paying or offering to pay individuals for registering to vote or for voting."

U-T San Diego reported on its website that several eateries were offering deals for voters, including a free California roll at RA Sushi in downtown San Diego after patrons spend $10; a free mix of French fries and onion rings for people making a purchase at Burger Lounge locations in Southern California; free banana bread pudding at Terra in the College Area; and $1 off a pint of beer at the Main Tap Tavern in El Cajon.

Duffy said restaurants and other businesses should not offer free or discounted food, drinks or services to people wearing the stickers.

-City News Service

Tapple November 7, 2012 at 01:22 am
That's certainly the US Attorney's opinion, but I think it's just plain stupid.
Libi Uremovic November 7, 2012 at 01:51 am
"... federal law prohibits expenditures to influence voting, including offers to make an expenditure to any person to vote or withhold his or her vote,"..."
they're not buying votes, they're giving to all voters after they've already voted...hence the 'i voted' requirement...
Surf Cali November 7, 2012 at 02:09 am
Hey they give us a free sticker?? Is that against the Law??
Dikstr November 7, 2012 at 03:39 am
The US Attorney must not have enough real work to do - time for his boss to load him up with the people's business. What a jerk!
Liz November 7, 2012 at 01:47 pm
ALL AMERICANS of voting age should vote. That's part of the problem. We've become resigned that our voice doesn't count and that we cannot make a difference.
Liz November 7, 2012 at 01:48 pm
RIGHT ON! However, do you think our tax money went towards paying for the production of them? What company got the bid and what kick back did they get! Ooh what a tangled web they weave, our government.
Robert Burns November 8, 2012 at 01:38 pm
As Mr. Bumble said, "If the law says that, sir, then the law is an Ass, sir."
How unthinking! In my professional (lawyer) view, these merchants have commendably exercised their fundamental Constitutional rights of free association and furthering the exercise by patrons of the fundamental franchise to vote. This is the same U.S. Attorney who denigrates California law on medical marijuana leaving a Federal-State conflict comparable to one which led to the Civil War. President Obama needs to sack her! www.OBLaw.com
Sergey Kemskiy November 12, 2012 at 02:47 pm
I always enjoy your articles on legal issues. The true is that corporations today need perfect legal services of experienced professionals. I think, you understand it. That is why I created a directory of corporate lawyers. It is structured by states, because laws vary from state to state. For example, you can look at the section devoted to California http://attorney-online.info/dir/corporate/california/337 As you see, people get all necessary information at once and have direct accept to contacts of lawyers. I think, it will be very useful both for corporations and lawyers and I invite all corporate attorneys to submit their contacts to the directory, I take no money for it.
Sergey Kemskiy November 21, 2012 at 06:13 pm
Your legal articles are really worth to be read. I think, you know a lot of good attorneys who can provide good legal services for people. If you know such lawyers, add them please to my Attorney Directory http://attorney-online.info/dir I provide there short descriptions of legal practice and experience of attorneys as well as admissions and membership in professional associations. It can help to evaluate several attorneys at once an choose a legal professional quickly. I think, that your friends should be in this directory.
Batman November 21, 2012 at 06:37 pm
How does government get away with offering free food, free housing, free education and soon even free condoms to encourage voters not only ot vote, but to vote for specific candidates? Oh, that's right, government makes up the rules.
Doug Curlee November 21, 2012 at 06:51 pm
dikstr..
the u.s. attorney IS the boss.. and by the way..he is a her..laura duffy.. try to keep up here.. doug
Mary November 21, 2012 at 07:28 pm
Batman - Give it up. You lost.
Paula M November 21, 2012 at 08:20 pm
If they don't want people to treat those that vote differently they should not give out the "I VOTED" stickers in the first place. Companies are not influencing how a person votes but rewarding them for doing their civic duty. I highly doubt people are holding out on voting until they can get "a free mix of French fries and onion rings".
Things I Learned November 21, 2012 at 08:54 pm
I wasn't going to vote until I heard I could get an Obamaphone.
Doug Curlee November 21, 2012 at 09:32 pm
things.. you wouldn't want it.. the republicans claim it's only 3g..
doug
Doug Curlee November 21, 2012 at 09:36 pm
no.. he needs to KEEP her..especially if she remains committed to enforcing federal law regarding marijuana..
you'll notice that voters in 3 california cities, given the chance to legalize pot, turned it down..they probably understand the conflict.. and the voters in colorasdo and washington are about to find out about that confilct the hard way.. doug
Batman November 21, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Does it come with free condoms? (No pun intended)
tory burch shoes November 23, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Moist Premium general will be your many beneficial source.
http://www.mbtshoesukshoes.com/ http://www.burchshoes.com/ http://www.tory-flats.com http://www.bagsforgirl.com/ http://www.borsegucci-italia.com http://www.gucciuk-bags.com http://www.gucci-outlethandbags.com/ http://www.gucci-forsale.com/ http://www.louboutin-shoescheap.com/ http://www.hermesbagssale-outlet.com/ http://www.christian-louboutinoutlets.com/ http://www.christian-louboutinoutlets.com/

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Santee Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Komfort June 16, 2013 at 05:34 pm
http://www.cbs8.com/story/22605287/firefighters-battling-brush-fire-in-tierrasanta
Steven Bartholow (Editor) June 16, 2013 at 06:10 pm
Komfort June 16, 2013 at 06:14 pm
Thanks Steven!
Betty June 12, 2013 at 05:15 pm
Can't send messages to Dad because he's now deceased, but my dad was very wise...He'd say thingsRead More like: "You can get arrested for what you say, but not what you think!" - or - "Take care of your feet, and they'll take care of you!" My dad wasn't much for words, but he was always a stable figure growing up and was loyal to mom throughout the years. Nowadays, that in and of itself is honorable! Thank you Dad! In Loving Memory...
Steven Bartholow (Editor) June 10, 2013 at 03:20 pm
I've gotten no updates lately. I'll check with some folks at the council meeting this week.
Matthew T. Saadeh June 10, 2013 at 07:32 pm
That'd be great, thanks so much Steven!
Komfort June 15, 2013 at 05:43 pm
Hi Mary, you seem cordial at the moment which turns me on. Please link to SDGE's statement thatRead More backs up your claim and we may, for he first time, have an intelligent, articulate conversation. Regards...
Retha Knight June 16, 2013 at 10:33 am
There are better options to peaker plants!Read More http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2011/02/arizona-uses-molten-salt-for-storage/ http://www.solarreserve.com/
Mary June 16, 2013 at 07:35 pm
Komfort - Read the following link:Read More http://oceanside-camppendleton.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/energy-officials-ask-san-diegans-to-become-your-own-nuclear-plant. Guess you missed it, but I doubt WE will ever have an intelligent conversation on the subject since you think solar and peaker plants go hand in hand.
Jon Notw June 10, 2013 at 04:27 pm
Wurts Interiors buys quite a bit of product from Rayo Wholesale. And Old Town isn't quiteRead More Santee.........
Simon's carpet care June 11, 2013 at 07:20 am
So you just want the carpet for a few years?
Simon's carpet care June 11, 2013 at 07:22 am
Remember you get what you pay for.Check The Home Depot and see the difference between there cheapestRead More and check the quality as the price goes up.
mmadficken June 5, 2013 at 05:52 pm
I believe they were supposed to be on/off ramps for the 125 when it was supposed to go thru there upRead More to Poway. It is no longer on any maps but it used to be as a proposed route.
Komfort June 11, 2013 at 11:43 am
Is your nickname "wide Logue"?
Things I Learned June 11, 2013 at 01:19 pm
Why did you ask him about the Klan does he sound like a Democrat?
Margie Logue June 13, 2013 at 05:48 pm
Intelligent, thought-provoking comback, Komfort