Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has filed a formal election complaint against Mayor Karen Bass, accusing her of violating California election laws by allegedly campaigning too close to a ballot box.
“She is so accustomed to breaking the law with no accountability, she even filmed herself doing it. Well, those days are over. We just filed a formal complaint for illegally gaming the election.
We must protect our democracy. ”
Pratt argued that Bass violated laws designed to prevent electioneering near voting locations
Advertisement “Electioneering within 100 feet of a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW. Soliciting votes at a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW,” he wrote.
“These clear violations show a reckless disregard for the rule of law and our democratic process. ”
The candidate went on to accuse Bass of believing different rules apply to elected officials
Advertisement “A person in a position of power such as Bass should be especially respectful of our democratic laws, but this is just emblematic of Karen’s mafia-like regime. It’s ‘rules for thee, but not for me,’” Pratt said.
Pratt included a photograph of the complaint filing in his social media post and vowed to pursue the matter.
Enjoy your conference calls with your lawyers, Karen!” he wrote
Under California law, candidates and campaign workers are prohibited from electioneering within 100 feet of a ballot drop box.
Pratt’s complaint centers on a campaign video posted by Bass that appeared to show her encouraging supporters to vote while standing near a ballot box.
Bass’s campaign quickly pushed back against the allegation
A spokesperson for the mayor dismissed the complaint and questioned Pratt’s campaign.
“Spencer is just mad that his supporters are AI cartoons, and we have real Angelenos. We follow the rules,” Bass spokesperson Alex Stack told Fox News Digital.
Stack also disputed the substance of the complaint, saying the campaign video was filmed in multiple locations and complied with election laws
“His complaint is blatantly false. There were two locations filmed for this video, one 200-plus feet away from the ballot box (with signs) and one next to the ballot box (no signs),” Stack said.
Pratt’s attorney, Peter McNulty, outlined the allegations in the formal complaint and requested an official investigation.
McNulty called for Bass to be investigated for what he described as “illegal electioneering.”
He also stated that, due to the seriousness of the allegations, a similar complaint had been submitted to state authorities.
“This sort of activity in such close proximity to voters has the potential to intimidate and improperly influence voters; which is exactly why these laws and restrictions are in place to begin with,” McNulty wrote.
Pratt’s campaign escalated its criticism in a separate statement provided to Fox News Digital
“Karen Bass is so accustomed to breaking the rules with zero accountability, she didn’t even think twice about FILMING HERSELF VIOLATING ELECTION LAW,” the campaign said.
“She genuinely doesn’t care about protecting our democracy, nor does she care about the rule of law. ”
The statement continued by linking the complaint to broader criticisms of Bass’s leadership
“That’s why she ignores terrified mothers in LA who are being victimized by rampant criminality, and that’s why she’s now cheating in the election,” the campaign said.
“She’s terrified of our insurgent campaign, and she’s getting more and more desperate. We need to get this lawbreaker out of office,” Fox News reported.
At this point, city and state officials have not publicly announced whether they will open a formal investigation into the complaint
The dispute adds another layer of tension to an already contentious Los Angeles mayoral race as candidates battle for votes ahead of Election Day.
