The lottery approach is "really no different than vote buying," Gans said. "It may increase the numbers, but by increasing the numbers, you will hide the real problems. There is nothing good about this initiative."
The lottery proposal has its defenders though, including columnist EJ Montini of the Arizona Republic newspaper -- who adopted a more cynical view.
"As we all know, the only Americans currently in a position to accept large amounts of cash in exchange for votes are politicians. Why should they have all the fun?" he wrote.



