Comment Text:
As an American citizen concerned for free and fair elections, please deny the proposal that would allow a private company to accept bets on the outcomes of elections. Betting on election outcomes would go completely against the guidelines of our democracy.
Elections are an important framework of democracy. Allowing people to place bets on elections would cause concerns about election integrity and create a dangerous environment for election officials.
Artificial intelligence is already spreading quickly. 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.
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.
Please reject the proposal to allow betting on election results and take a strong stand in favor of a healthy democracy. Thank you.
