The U.S. Attorney in San Diego warned today 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.
