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‘Yes on 6' Gas Giveaway Accused of Breaking California Law

A gas giveaway promoted by supporters of a controversial ballot measure in California is declared illegal by the measure’s opponents.

When voters in California head to the polls Tuesday, they will decide whether to repeal a 12-cent gas tax and increase in vehicle registration. The gas tax has been controversial since it was approved by state lawmakers to fund better transit programs and road fixes. A no vote on Prop 6 will keep the tax in place.

Drivers who pledged support for Prop 6 Monday could enter to win a $50 gas card at two gas stations in San Diego County, according to a release issued by the campaign.

However, a campaign spokesperson told NBC 7 the original release was an error. The rules on the event website clearly state that any driver registered to vote can enter without "a pledge to vote" requirement, according to Yes on 6 campaign officials.

Federal law states a campaign cannot influence someone with money or, in this case, a lottery to vote a certain way.

“It is illegal to offer anything of value for a pledge to vote, and our campaign will be taking legal action to address this desperate stunt, Robin Swanson, Spokesperson, No on Prop 6 said in a written release.

One of the propositions heading to voters on Election Day is a repeal of the gas tax. NBC 7's Catherine Garcia has more.

This isn’t the first time the Yes on Prop 6 campaign has been criticized for its tactics.

The Yes on Prop 6 campaign sent two million ad mailers made to look like the Registrar of Voters', with some saying it's misleading, NBC 7 Investigates reported in October.

In August, the supporters of Prop 6 filed an ethics complaint with the San Diego CountyDistrict Attorney’s Office and the State’s Fair Political Practices Commission after video surfaced showing workers wearing Caltrans uniforms were handing out “No on 6” flyers to drivers on State Route 78.

Caltrans Director Laurie Berman said the agency was looking into the matter and said the people involved in the action were private contractors, not Caltrans employees.

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