Conflict of Interest?

Our Association has sent out notices stating that those who submit their ballot for our annual election will entered into a raffle to win a gift card from a local eatery. Although the incentive is to help boost getting people to vote, I am uncomfortable with where the gift card is from. It was donated by Board member that is the manager of the local eatery. The notice that went out even included the website address for the restaurant. To me this seems like a conflict of interest. In short, the Association is using our election and resources as a form of advertising for this Board Members personal business.

I am trying to find anything in California Civil Code or the Davis-Sterling act that addresses this issue. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance.

My opinion: Fully disclose the source of the donated gift card, and go forward with the plan to use it to incentivize voting. To me, as long as there is transparency to all, then weighing the benefit here against any possible damage argues for going ahead. I write this thinking I am a stickler for ethics, conflicts of interest, and directors not benefiting from their service on the board anymore than a non-director would. I also try to remember 'But for the grace of god, there go I.'

Subsequently, if you care to post an update, I would like to know if this strategy improves voter turnout!

There is nothing in California Civil Code or the Davis-Stirling Act that would outlaw this practice.