LA lawmakers say cash lottery prizes could boost voter participation

Los Angeles is considering using cash prizes to lure voters to the polls.

The Los Angeles Ethics Commission voted to recommend that the city council look at the use of financial incentives during elections.

The LA Times reported the pilot program could start as early as next year.

"Maybe it's $25,000 maybe it's $50,000," Commission President Nathan Hochman said.

"That's where the pilot program comes in - to figure out what number and amount of prizes would actually get people to the voting box."

Only 23 percent of registered voters cast ballots in last year's mayoral election, prompting suggested solutions including the cash prizes.

Ethics Commissioner Jessica Levinson welcomed any move to improve voter participation.

"We have turnout in citywide elections in the high teens and low 20s and I think that's pretty dismal," she said.