A recent social media trend has seen numerous MAGA supporters claiming they will travel to California to illegally vote for former reality TV star Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles' mayoral primary election next month. The movement has gained traction on TikTok and X ahead of the state's June 2 primary, where leading candidates include Pratt, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, and City Councilmember Nithya Raman.
Social Media Claims
Several users have posted videos and messages indicating their intent to fly to Los Angeles to cast a ballot for Pratt. For instance, TikTok user tinas_tik_tok, a Florida resident, wrote: 'Getting ready to book a flight to Cali to vote for Spencer Pratt.' Another user, Jena Bena from Alabama, stated: 'Me on the way to LA to vote for Spencer Pratt bc yall dont check ID's.' User patriotic_em added: 'I have decided to fly to LA to vote for Spencer Pratt. What are they gonna do ID me? Pffffffff, that's racist.'
Even actor James Woods participated, posting an AI-generated meme on X that appeared to encourage out-of-state voting. He later clarified his post was satire. Woods wrote: 'This would be wrong. And you could get in trouble when asked for your ID to vote. Oh, wait! Never mind. Voter ID is not allowed in California. Oh, and on a completely separate note, the best freeway hours are 10AM-11:30 AM. Just saying.'
Legal Reality
While California does not require voter ID at the polls, it does require identification or the last four digits of a Social Security number when registering. Voters must provide their name and address as listed on the voter registration roll. The California Secretary of State's website states: 'The voter registration application asks for your driver license or California identification card number, or you can use the last four numbers on your Social Security card.'
If out-of-state individuals attempt to vote, they will likely be turned away because their names will not appear on the rolls. Attempting to vote under another person's name could lead to up to three years in prison under California Penal Code Section 1170(h).
Political Context
Accusations of voter fraud have been a staple of MAGA and President Donald Trump's rhetoric, despite studies showing instances are negligible. It remains unclear whether these social media users intend to follow through or are making political statements about California's lack of voter ID laws. Pratt's campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
