Residents experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles’ Skid Row allege they were encouraged to sign several registration forms for voting. They claim their signatures were forged and that they were offered cash by individuals associated with “political partners.”
Recent videos released on Thursday by an Instagram account focused on Skid Row interviews revealed these troubling accusations.
This post coincided with the announcement that federal authorities have discontinued funding for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), raising concerns over the agency’s financial practices.
When one resident was asked about the political affiliations of the individuals helping with voter registration, she stated, “They’re working for their political partners, yes.” She added that many don’t disclose their affiliations.
This resident mentioned that those assisting with the forms were instructed on how to avoid errors and even advised to alter their handwriting. “Your signature should not look like anyone else’s signature,” she explained in the video. “Can you write with your other hand? Can you write with your foot? I’m serious,” she added.
She also alleged that people were compensated for completing these forms. When asked how many ballots he signs, one individual said, “Four or five. It depends.”
The California Post could not confirm the statements made in the video independently.
Another video showcased a woman who recounted an encounter on a train where a man approached her, suggesting he would pay her to sign documents related to voting. “I want to pay you to vote,” he supposedly told her.
While she explained she wasn’t even registered to vote, the man was reported to have followed her, displaying his phone and asking, “Are you good at calligraphy?” He then showed her his name and asked for her to sign a form, promising payment.
She refused, expressing, “He was trying to pay me to vote fraudulently, and I’m not doing that.”
These new assertions follow earlier claims from Skid Row residents made during an interview with the same account, where another woman discussed being compensated to fill out multiple ballots, alongside being directed to change her signature.
Questions have arisen regarding the integrity of voter registration efforts in areas with larger homeless populations.
People interviewed indicated that outreach workers frequented the area three to five times a week leading up to the election, with several organizations participating in this initiative.
One resident, Mark Sanchez, reported that he had often been approached by political activists. “They paid me $4 or $5 to sign petitions for the mayor and other issues,” he claimed. “It happened more than four or five times.”
As the counting process continues for the Los Angeles mayoral election, the circulated video has sparked discussions.
The California Post again noted that it was unable to verify these claims independently.
