Investigation Launched into Alleged Illegal Signature Gathering in California

Mon Mar 16 2026 19:47:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

California election officials are investigating claims of illegal practices in San Francisco where signature collectors reportedly paid individuals to use false names on ballot petitions.

California election officials have opened an investigation into allegations that signature collectors in San Francisco unlawfully offered payment for signatures on ballot petitions using fictitious names. A video surfaced showing collectors instructing signers on how to fill out petitions, prompting the Secretary of State's office to look into the matter. Campaigns funded by wealthy donors, such as a proposed tax on billionaires, were implicated, with officials stating that collecting signatures fraudulently violates state law and could lead to criminal charges.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California election officials said Friday that they are investigating claims that signature collectors in San Francisco illegally offered payment to individuals for signing ballot petitions using false names.

A video posted on social media shows collectors promoting the petition with a sign that read Sign petition for $5. The footage displayed a line of people along the sidewalk, with a woman behind a folding table directing signers on how to fill out the petitions. When asked about the purpose of the petitions, the woman merely responded, Just sign it.

The California Secretary of State's office confirmed they are aware of the issue and are currently investigating the situation.

In California, to get measures on the ballot for public vote, campaigns must gather hundreds of thousands of legitimate signatures. The law permits campaigns to pay individuals for each signature collected, which can lead to potential issues when seeking to maximize signature counts.

One of the subject petitions is reportedly backing a tech-led initiative to oppose a proposed tax on billionaires, funded by the committee Building a Better California, which includes notable business figures like Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who provided $20 million.

According to a spokesperson for one of the campaigns, the signature collectors were not directly employed by the effort. The campaign is cooperating with authorities to disqualify signatures collected using falsified information. Under no circumstance do we tolerate this type of activity, said the spokesperson. They indicated the campaign took immediate action by notifying election officials as soon as the questionable video emerged.

Another ballot initiative featured in the video addressed a potential ban on taxing retirement savings. Like the previous campaign, its officials stated that they do not accept fraudulent activity in their signature-gathering processes.

California election law strictly prohibits the offering of money or gifts in exchange for signatures on ballot measures. Signatures are cross-verified against voter registration records, and any discrepancies lead to disqualification. The Secretary of State's office emphasized that it also constitutes a crime to circulate, sign, or submit petitions known to include forged names.

This ongoing investigation raises significant concerns regarding election integrity and the ethical practices of signature collection, especially amid growing political pressures and financial incentives.