Was Dolton Mayoral Candidate’s Free Gas Giveaway Legal?
Was Dolton Mayoral Candidate’s Free Gas Giveaway Legal? (Dolton, IL) – According to WBBM NewsRadio and CBS2 Chicago, candidate for a candidate for Mayor in the Village of Dolton “may have been breaking the law” when she gave away free gas.
Current Village Trustee Tiffany Henyard announced on her Tiffany for Mayor Facebook page that she was giving away free gas at the Food 4 Less in Dolton. According to her announcement, all village residents, with proof of ID, were invited to come by for some free gas. The post has since been removed.
The free gas giveaway was designated as Henyard’s campaign kickoff.
CBS2/WBBM NewsRadio questioned the legality of the action. According to their interview with Reform Illinois Board Member David Melton, the free gas fillups were “probably illegal.” He stated that it was all about intent – about whether or not Henyard intended to exchange gas for votes. If so, then it is illegal. Regardless, he stated, “It’s inappropriate conduct.”
According to the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/29-1), “Any person who knowingly gives, lends or promises to give or lend any money or other valuable consideration to any other person to influence such other person to vote or to register to vote or to influence such other person to vote for or against any candidate or public question to be voted upon at any election shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.”
Given that Henyard is a current trustee, current candidate for mayor, and also coined the event in question as her campaign kickoff, the questions of legality and ethics remain looming. As for formal charges, that decision is made by the Cook County State’s Attorney and/or the Illinois Board of Elections.
This is not the first time Henyard has given away free gas. In November 2020, she announced a Free Gas Giveaway at the same location.
Was Dolton Mayoral Candidate’s Free Gas Giveaway Legal?
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