Federal law enforcement officials have issued a caution to tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, suggesting that his America PAC’s initiative involving $1 million giveaways to registered voters in swing states may contravene election laws. According to a report, the Justice Department’s public integrity section reached out to Musk, warning that his financial incentives for voters who support a petition promoting First and Second Amendment rights could be illegal.
Since October 19, Musk has been awarding substantial prizes to individuals in battleground states who sign the petition, provided they are registered to vote. The federal code clearly states that offering payment for voter registration or voting can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Musk, who has committed to this giveaway until Election Day, expressed his desire to gather over a million signatures to bolster support for these constitutional rights. During a recent event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he articulated his objective: “We want to try to get over a million, maybe 2 million voters in the battleground states to sign the petition.”
Critics, including Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, have voiced concerns over the legality of the initiative, indicating that law enforcement may need to investigate the matter. In response, Musk defended the program, emphasizing that participants do not need to align with any political party and can even choose not to vote.
Interestingly, the first recipients of the $1 million prize were registered Republicans who had already cast their ballots by mail. Musk’s alignment with conservative values has been clear, as he endorsed former President Donald Trump and later formed the America PAC, engaging in campaign activities with Trump.
As the political landscape heats up, the implications of Musk’s actions will be closely monitored. His bold approach to engaging voters could spark a significant conversation about the intersection of technology, finance, and electoral integrity in America.