I can understand why one wouldn't want to directly pay people to vote. There's too much opportunity for abuse by winking and nudging and cajoling for a particular outcome.

But "walking around money" - cash to get out the vote - is legal everywhere - http://www.slate.com/id/2202955/

In 2004, John Kerry spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on Philadelphia street money, and ward leaders received checks for as much as $8,000. Individual volunteers can generally expect anywhere from $10 to $200, depending on the location and the type of work they're doing.

The practice is legal everywhere—it's protected by the First Amendment—but some states have tougher restrictions than others. In Philadelphia, committee people can hand out cash for any reason, as long as they're not paying someone for their vote. (The U.S. Code prohibits vote purchasing.) In New Jersey, campaign officials have to pay the workers in checks and their names, addresses, and amounts paid must be submitted to the Election Law Enforcement Commission. Presidential campaigns are always required to report the money to the Federal Elections Commission.


Federal law trumps state law. I don't see a legal reason why this couldn't be done. It's a checkbox on a form, not someone directly giving someone money.

Yes, many people would lie about it and just take the money even if they didn't vote. I don't mind. It's more cash in the economy. And some number will be encouraged to turn out anyway, so it's still a good thing.

Cheers,
Scott.