WARNING: Don't get caught up in election fraud

Election Warning (election@fixmypension.org)

It has come to our attention that local associations are inviting members to “voting parties” with “free food”, “prizes” and “gift cards” around the state that may violate state voter bribery laws.  (See Ohio Revised Code)

YOU MAY COMMIT A FOURTH DEGREE FELONY BY RECEIVING SOMETHING OF VALUE FOR “AGREEING TO VOTE” IN THE STRS ELECTION.  

These events have been reported to the Ohio Elections Commission (OEC) for Voter Fraud.

We urge you to use caution when voting to avoid an appearance of exchanging your vote for something of value.

The following events have been referred to the OEC for violating Section 3599.02

• April 22nd - Lorain, OH (The Shipyards)
• April 14th - Online Voting Party (Ohio New Educators OEA)
• April 12th - Centerville, OH (Geez Grille & Pub)*

* currently being investigated

Section 3599.02 - Bribery - offenses concerning voters or voting

No person shall before, during, or after any primary, general, or special election or convention solicit, request, demand, receive, or contract for any money, gift, loan, property, influence, position, employment, or other thing of value for that person or for another person for doing any of the following:

(A) Registering or refraining from registering to vote;

(B) Agreeing to register or to refrain from registering to vote;

(C) Agreeing to vote or to refrain from voting;

(D) Voting or refraining from voting at any primary, general, or special election or convention for a particular person, question, or issue;

(E) Registering or voting, or refraining from registering or voting, or voting or refraining from voting for a particular person, question, or issue.

Whoever violates this section is guilty of bribery, a felony of the fourth degree, and shall be disfranchised and excluded from holding any public office for five years immediately following such conviction.