An initiative on the Nov. 7 ballot in Washington state proposes to put some cash in the pockets of a few people.

As long as they support the initiative, that is.

Each voter who decides to allow Native American Indians to expand their state gambling operations would share 10 percent of annual profits. The estimated $100 per year, per individual is touted by proponents as the nation’s first gambling measure that would distribute profits directly to voters.

They justify the measure by pointing out that payout promises are indirect enough as to not violate state bribery laws.

Although the legality of Initiative 651 may indeed remain unclear, it’s disturbing to discover that state officials are enticing voters with “incentives.”

Whether or not it’s legal to participate in this type of behavior is not the issue that needs the closest attention. Instead, what needs to be considered is whether or not we, as a society, should feel comfortable resorting to this type of political action.

Perverted campaigning practices seriously jeopardize the democratic foundations on which our political system rests. “Buying votes” isn’t an acceptable notion in any context.