A Republican political consultant has filed an election misconduct complaint against Democratic state Auditor Rob Sand after he handed out pizzas to voters at the Polk County Election Office in Des Moines. Luke Martz of Riverfront Strategy Group sent the complaint to several state officials, including Attorney General Brenna Bird, Secretary of State Paul Pate, and Polk County Sheriff Kevin Schneider. Martz claims that Sand’s actions violated Iowa law, which prohibits “treating” voters at polling places or within 300 feet of them, including during early voting.
Martz argues that Sand, an elected official, should know better and that handing out food to voters on the eve of the election and the final day of early voting was not only inappropriate but also illegal. He stated that such actions undermine election integrity and violate state law, which defines the practice of giving food or other treats to voters as third-degree election misconduct, a serious misdemeanor.
The complaint cites Iowa Code section 39A.4(1)(a)(1), which bans the distribution of food or gifts at polling places or within 300 feet of them. Martz, who has extensive experience in political consulting, asserts that the law mandates an investigation into the alleged misconduct.
In response, Sand explained that he was merely providing Little Caesars pizza to hungry voters and downplayed the situation. He also noted that if he intended to treat voters, he would have chosen a different brand of pizza. A spokesperson for Attorney General Bird said they had no comment, and the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board stated it did not have authority over the matter.
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