Obama Offers Free Concert Tickets to Voters, What?

The Obama campaign has a big register-to-vote intiative in Indiana, and it looks as if Indiana University students will be able to learn some political science in the process. Free tickets are being given out for a Dave Matthews concert at IU, provided that positive identification of proof of ability to be able to vote in Indiana is presented to the campaign. What a clever idea! Some people would call that vote buying, but who's to say that it won't work? We would note, however, that there's not much change involved. Vote buying is an old Chicago trick, and widely studied in political science classes. Of couse, there's a bit of a problem here--Obama's campaign might be viewed by some as inducing a person to vote for a candidate by giving them the ticket, a Class D Felony. But who will complain? The people accepting the free tickets, might be commiting a felony themselves.

IC 3-14-3-19
Inducing votes by gift or offer to compensate
Sec. 19. A person who, for the purpose of inducing or procuring another person to:
(1) apply for or cast an absentee ballot; or
(2) vote or refrain from voting for or against a candidate or for or against a public question at an election or political convention; gives, offers, or promises to any person any money or other property commits a Class D felony.

IC 3-14-3-20
Acceptance or solicitation of compensation to induce or procure votes
Sec. 20. A person who, for the purpose of inducing or procuring
a voter to:
(1) apply for or cast an absentee ballot; or
(2) vote or refrain from voting for or against a candidate or for or against a public question at an election or political convention; receives, accepts, requests, or solicits from any person any money or other property commits a Class D felony.