Kentucky newspaper offers reward for evidence of vote buying

SALYERSVILLE, Ky. (WKYT) – A small city newspaper is making an attempt to guard native democracy by providing up a reward for any proof of vote shopping for within the county.

Typically election season can carry out the worst in individuals, from damaging and vandalizing indicators to flinging mud throughout the aisle.

In Magoffin County, the priority is that some voters could also be paid to solid their poll.

This election cycle, they’re hoping to interrupt the cycle. If historical past is any indication, one thing has to vary. In 2016, a federal jury convicted three individuals in Magoffin County of conspiring to purchase votes.

The Salyersville Unbiased newspaper raised eyebrows after inserting an advert in their very own paper, providing up a $3,000 money reward for credible and concrete proof of vote shopping for

Proprietor Ritt Mortimer says it wasn’t a choice he got here to evenly.

“It’s of my opinion that each election of my 51 years has concerned vote shopping for in Magoffin County, both to a small or very massive diploma at instances, relying on the races concerned, the cash, the opposite components,” Mortimer mentioned.

He says new know-how is making it simpler than ever to document video or audio that could possibly be used to prosecute people.

For Mortimer, it’s his approach of making an attempt to guard democracy in his hometown, however it’ll take a dedicated effort from everybody.

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