§ 3-9-13 — Buying or selling vote unlawful; penalties

(a) It is unlawful for any person to offer or to pay money or any other thing of value to any person as consideration for the vote of the offeree or payee, as the case may be, to be cast for or against any candidate or issue in any election held in the state. Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $5,000 or imprisoned for a period of not less than one year, nor more than five years, or both.

(b) It is likewise unlawful for any person to accept or agree to accept money or other thing of value as consideration for the vote of the acceptee, to be cast for or against any candidate or issue in any election held in the state. Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 or imprisoned in the county jail not more than one year, or both.

Legislative History

2021 Reg. Sess., SB565; 1978 Reg. Sess., HB936; 1963 Reg. Sess., SB2