According to a letter from the Department of Justice, these payments may violate laws prohibiting compensation for individuals to register or vote in elections featuring federal candidates, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Musk’s political action committee has been actively encouraging registered voters in Pennsylvania and six other critical states to pledge their support for free speech and gun rights by signing a petition, with the incentive of a chance to win $1 million.
The America PAC refrained from providing comments; however, a spokesperson previously asserted that their cash awards are completely lawful, implying that the media backlash only serves to bolster their cause. “The PAC is assured of the legality of this initiative, and the anticipated media uproar is merely enhancing America PAC’s efforts to support President Trump,” a representative stated earlier this week, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Justice Department has written to Elon Musk’s America PAC cautioning him that giving cash payments to voters who sign a petition might violate federal law, according to people familiar with the matter https://t.co/4AcFbc6jic
— WSJ Politics (@WSJPolitics) October 23, 2024
Three voters from Pennsylvania and one from North Carolina have each received million-dollar prizes, with daily drawings scheduled to continue until Election Day, aimed at both new and existing registrants, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Musk indicated that the million-dollar prizes from his political action committee are unconditional, apart from the expectation that the recipients will promote his petition.
The initiative seeks to enhance voter registrations in key battleground regions as Musk ardently supports former President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. During a rally for Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, Musk announced his plan to award $1 million each day to one individual.
UCLA law professor Rick Hasen has previously questioned whether a constitutional amendment is needed to limit the campaign influence of extremely wealthy individuals like Musk. Hasen noted on MSNBC that, under current legislation, attempts to restrict election spending by the ultra-wealthy have been ruled unconstitutional, thereby validating Musk’s actions with his super PAC and other related activities.
