Comment Text:
Gambling addiction issues aside, this proposal has all of the hallmarks of a disaster waiting to happen. Election integrity is central to our democracy. Legal betting on elections would incentivize a new set of special interest groups to interfere in our elections. There is no good reason to open the door to manipulation and corruption. Election betting would most certainly make our elections less safe for all citizens, but especially election workers who are under enormous pressure and threat as it is.
The outcome of elections should not be a financial windfall for anyone. Billionaires and wealthy special interests try to manipulate our elections for financial gain too much as it is. Election results should to be based soley on voter choice, not personal financial gain. We need to work to create greater voter confidence, not less.
This proposal makes me wonder who is pushing for legal election betting? Surely it is not those of us who believe in facts, debate, deliberation, and one person - one vote. This proposal is not in the public interest. Whom does it serve?
