Comment Text:
I urge you to disallow private companies to accept bets on the outcomes of elections.
Allowing people to bet on election results is fundamentally opposed to a well-functioning democracy. It promotes a team spectator sport mentality where people are more concerned with their side winning at any cost than learning about policy and engaging with their community for the greater good.
Low confidence in elections is already a serious issue in America. Allowing people to place bets on elections would only cause greater concerns about election integrity and a more dangerous environment for election officials.
Artificial intelligence is already spreading wildly. I’m concerned that betting on elections would incentivize people to use AI to create false or misleading content to influence popular opinion and maximize winnings.
I’m also concerned for election officials, who are already facing unprecedented attacks. Allowing betting on elections would lead to more conspiracy theories, lies, and harassment directed at these officials.
Please reject the proposal to allow betting on election results and take a stand in favor of a healthy democracy.
