Why Elon Musk's $1Million Reward For Pledging To Vote May Be Illegal Under Laws

Washinton: Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, has sparked controversy by announcing a USD 1 million daily lottery for voters in key battleground states, such as Pennsylvania and Georgia. To enter, voters must sign a petition supporting free speech and gun rights, which has raised concerns about potential violations of election laws.

Legal experts, including Brett Kappel and Rick Hasen, have pointed out that offering cash rewards to voters based on their registration status is illegal under federal law. Additionally, Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro has questioned whether Musk's significant financial involvement in the election warrants investigation.

Despite these concerns, Musk's PAC, America PAC, is moving forward with the lottery, which has already awarded its first USD 1 million check to a winner in Pennsylvania. However, the legality of this move remains uncertain, and potential legal challenges could impact the outcome.

Critics argue that Musk's actions may violate campaign finance rules and could be seen as an attempt to influence voter registration. The petition, which supports free speech and gun rights, may also be perceived as promoting a specific political agenda.

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, Musk's involvement has sparked debate about the role of money in politics and the potential for undue influence. While Musk has a right to his political opinions, the scale of his financial involvement has raised eyebrows.

The situation highlights the complexities of campaign finance laws and the need for transparency and accountability in political funding. As the lottery continues, legal experts and political observers will be watching closely to see how this plays out and whether Musk's efforts will impact the election's outcome.