The billionaire is giving people $1 million to vote
Does Musk’s petition sweepstake violate the state’s election law? An attorney general in Pennsylvania says he’ll give $1 million to someone in Pennsylvania
Hasen told NBC News that the fact the petition is only open to registered voters may be what puts it over the top. The federal authorities have the ability to prosecute Musk or warn him to stop. The US Department of Justice would have to charge him with violating the law in federal court; a federal agency or private party could also file a civil lawsuit.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said on Meet the Press this morning that the offer is “deeply concerning.” He stopped short of calling it illegal, stating that he’s no longer the state’s Attorney General, but said the ploy is “something that law enforcement can take a look at.”
Musk gave a $1 million check to an audience member at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, which was also the day he was involved in an altercation with Trump. He said he would give the prize to a random voter every single day until November 5th. The US election law makes it a crime to break it.
Only people who have signed a petition from Musk’s America PAC are eligible for the sweepstakes-style offer. Only registered voters can sign the petition. Musk will give a $1 million to someone in Pittsburgh today but will eventually give the money to people who are living in states like Georgia, Nevada or Arizona.
“If you look at the conditions, you must be a registered voter,” Hasen said. “And so this is essentially a lottery that’s open only to people who register to vote. So it’s either an incentive for someone to vote or it’s a reward. Either way, it’s against federal law.
UCLA election law professor Richard Hasen said that on its face, there’s nothing illegal about a petition sweepstakes. But a closer look raises red flags for him.
The sweepstakes is raising concerns among election law experts and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who formerly served as the state’s attorney general. Vice President Harris is using him as a surrogate.