Full Breakdown
Allegations of Paid Voting and Voter Registration on Los Angeles Skid Row Prompt Federal Investigation
6/11/2026, 6:34:40 AM
Core Event: Claims of Cash for Ballots on Skid Row
TikTok videos recorded near 7th Street and Flower Street on June 9, 2026 show several unsheltered residents asserting they received cash—ranging from $2 to $5—to vote for Mayor Karen Bass or Councilmember Nithya Raman. The footage was supplied to the U.S. Department of Justice for review.
Background & Context: Voter Outreach and Ballot Harvesting
Los Angeles shelters have long hosted voter-registration drives. In May 2022 the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America published a guide titled “How To: Ballot Delivery,” instructing volunteers to ask “Will you vote now?” and to repeat the request at least three times. The practice of collecting completed mail-in ballots, known as ballot harvesting, is legal in California but remains controversial.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Kevin Shepherd told investigators he was offered $2, negotiated to $4, and deposited a mail-in ballot for Bass.
- Rene Johnson, 39, said she accepted $5 after being told to vote for Bass, adding she “was just trying to make five bucks.”
- Mark Sanchez claimed he was paid $4-$5 on multiple occasions, stating “It happened more than four or five times.”
- Don Garza, a disabled veteran living on Skid Row since 1999, expressed fatigue: “We are tired of it. We don’t want people coming in and deciding elections and taking advantage of us.”
Data & Statistics
- A Venice shelter where 185 Raman supporters were registered received a $600,000 taxpayer-funded grant approved by Raman while chairing the City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee.
- Federal prosecutors allege that Brenda Lee Brown Armstrong paid $2-$3 per individual to register and sign petitions.
- Video accounts cite payments of $2, $4, and $5 to various residents; one individual reported receiving $5 for a ballot.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Justice confirmed receipt of the videos but has not released investigative findings. The Bass and Raman campaigns were contacted but did not respond. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said, “The charges are an admission of voter fraud.” The guide published by the DSA remains publicly accessible.
Criticism & Opposition
Election-integrity advocates argue that cash incentives compromise democratic processes and exploit vulnerable populations. Critics also note that ballot-harvesting instructions, while legal, may facilitate undue influence over unsheltered voters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The New York Post reported it could not independently verify any claim made in the videos. Several interviewees admitted uncertainty about the paperwork they signed. No evidence has been presented confirming that paid individuals cast ballots matching the intended candidates.
Why It Matters / Impact
If substantiated, the alleged payments could undermine confidence in Los Angeles elections and highlight systemic vulnerabilities in outreach to homeless voters. The controversy also raises questions about the use of public funds for shelters that serve as registration hubs.
What’s Next
The DOJ investigation continues, with Armstrong slated to plead guilty to a felony count of paying individuals to register to vote. Prosecutors indicate additional individuals may face charges as the probe expands.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was just trying to make five bucks, you know? But I didn’t do the fraud.” — Rene Johnson, Skid Row resident
- “We are tired of it. We don’t want people coming in and deciding elections and taking advantage of us,” — Don Garza, disabled veteran
- “Ask at least 3 times.” — Democratic Socialists of America, Los Angeles chapter, ballot-harvesting guide
- “They gave you an optional choice,” — Kevin Shepherd, self-identified Skid Row resident
- “It happened more than four or five times,” — Mark Sanchez, Skid Row resident
