ATLANTA — Georgia election workers are being reminded not to place election-related wagers on prediction market platforms ahead of the November midterm elections.
The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office has issued guidance reminding election workers that they are prohibited from placing wagers on election-related matters, including the outcome of a race.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger compared the guidance to restrictions involving athletes and their own sporting events.
“Just like sports figures aren’t supposed to be betting on their games, we don’t believe that election officials should be making predictions about any election contests,” Raffensperger said.
Raffensperger said election-related wagers by election workers could undermine public trust and confidence in the election process.
“It’s making sure that we’re above board and that no one could ever question any of the actions of the people that are involved in the election process, that builds trust and that builds confidence,” Raffensperger said.
Raffensperger said placing a prediction market wager would not change the result of an election but called the behavior inappropriate.
“It just looks smarmy. I don’t know any other way to describe it, it’s just not appropriate behavior,” Raffensperger said.
The Secretary of State’s Office says anyone accused of violating the guidance will be investigated. Anyone found violating the guidance will be reported to the State Election Board.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.
