Arizona considers million dollar vote lottery

Arizona is looking at a novel way to increase voter participation:

The state is considering a proposal to boost turnout during elections by awarding a $1 million prize to one randomly selected voter, just for casting a ballot.

I'm all for wanting to increase participation in the democratic process, but this doesn't seem to be the way to go about it. If someone is unwilling to take part in an election for its own sake, I don't see the need to reward them for chasing the cash. There's nothing wrong with voters being limited to people who care enough to make the effort simply because they feel a candidate best represents their beliefs or interests. If you're casting a random, disinterested vote only to get a ticket into the lottery, I don't see how this serves either the democratic system or the good of the state.

The whole argument may be moot as many legal experts say the measure contravenes laws prohibiting paying for people to vote. At least if this lottery is dropped, it will ensure that the real bribe money is available only to the people who are actually elected.

Ariz. considers $1 million voter lottery [seattlepi.com]

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