State Investigating Apparent Voter Petition Fraud in SLO County

Video shows signature gatherers directing homeless individuals to sign petitions under other people's names

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:37pm

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The California Secretary of State has opened an investigation into apparent voter petition fraud in San Luis Obispo County after a viral video showed signature gatherers directing homeless individuals to sign petitions under the names of registered voters from Avila Beach, in exchange for $5 payments. While it is legal to pay people to gather signatures, it is illegal to offer money or other incentives in exchange for signing a petition or to ask someone to sign for another person.

Why it matters

The ballot initiative process is an important way for Californians to propose laws and constitutional amendments, but this incident raises serious questions about the integrity of petition processes in the state. Voter fraud and improper signature gathering could undermine the legitimacy of ballot measures and initiatives that require verified voter signatures.

The details

The video shows signature gatherers telling individuals what name and address to write on the petitions, without explaining the proposed ballot measures to them. On one page, there were five people listed from San Luis Obispo County, including a former Tribune reporter. After learning of the video, the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder contacted the California Secretary of State's Office, which then opened an investigation.

  • The video was recorded on March 9, 2026 at around 1:54 pm near the intersection of 6th & Mission streets.
  • The California Secretary of State's Office opened an investigation after being contacted by the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder.

The players

California Secretary of State

The state agency that is investigating the apparent voter petition fraud.

Elaina Cano

The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder who contacted the California Secretary of State's Office after learning about the video.

Robert Cuddy

A former Tribune reporter whose name was listed on one of the petitions.

Building a Better California

One of the groups the signature gatherers were working for, which said they will reject any petitions tied to the alleged fraudulent signature gathering.

Californians for a More Transparent and Effective Government

Another group the signature gatherers were working for, which said they will reject any petitions tied to the alleged fraudulent signature gathering.

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What they’re saying

“These people are paying people $5 dollars to sign a ballot, but as you watch the video their telling them what name to sign (which is someone else name) and what address to write. Seems kind of suspicious to me. Why not sign your own…”

— jj smith

What’s next

The California Secretary of State's Office will continue its investigation into the apparent voter petition fraud in San Luis Obispo County.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the ballot initiative process in California. Voter fraud and improper signature gathering could undermine the legitimacy of ballot measures and initiatives, and the state must take steps to ensure that the petition process is conducted fairly and transparently.