Masked Cash for Signatures Shakes California Ballot Drive

Masked men in San Francisco’s Tenderloin offered $5 and pizza to sign petitions for California ballot measures, underscoring a money‑driven, high‑stakes signature‑gathering season where some signatures can be worth up to $15. Paying signatories is illegal, and authorities are investigating potential fraud as campaigns funded by major donors race to qualify initiatives for the ballot. Critics warn the tactic preys on vulnerable residents and threatens election integrity, while organizers say signatures will be vetted and invalid entries discarded.