
Elon Musk’s America PAC faces legal scrutiny over a controversial $1 million daily voter incentive program in swing states, raising concerns about potential election law violations.
At a Glance
- Musk’s America PAC offers $100 for petition signatures plus referral bonuses in seven swing states
- 11 former Republican officials demand federal investigation into the program
- Legal experts warn the initiative may violate federal election laws
- Department of Justice reviewing complaints as state officials raise concerns
Controversial Voter Incentive Program Sparks Legal Debate
Elon Musk’s America PAC has launched a bold initiative offering financial rewards to registered voters in seven crucial battleground states for signing a constitutional rights petition. The program, which includes a daily $1 million giveaway running through Election Day, has caught the attention of legal experts and former Republican officials who are calling for a federal investigation into potential violations of election laws.
The initiative targets registered voters in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, offering $100 for signing a petition focused on First and Second Amendment rights. Additionally, the program provides referral bonuses, aiming to gather 1 million signatures in support of these constitutional protections.
Legal Challenges Mount
A group of 11 former Republican officials has taken the unprecedented step of demanding a federal investigation into the America PAC’s activities. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, they highlighted potential violations of federal statute 52 U.S.C. § 10307(c), which prohibits paying individuals for voter registration.
“We are aware of nothing like this in modern political history,” the group of Republican lawyers and officials stated in their letter.
Legal experts have weighed in on the controversy, with many expressing serious concerns about the legality of the program. Paul Schiff Berman, a prominent legal scholar, stated, “I believe Musk’s offer is likely illegal. Under 52 U.S.C. 10307(c): ‘Whoever knowingly or willfully… pays or offers to pay or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.’ His offer is only open to registered voters, so I think his offer runs afoul of this provision.”
Elon Musk’s daily $1 million lottery for registered swing state voters who sign his Super PAC’s political petition falls into a legal gray area and could potentially violate election law, three experts say. https://t.co/icLy6xQuXW
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 21, 2024
State-Level Concerns and Varied Regulations
The America PAC’s initiative has also raised eyebrows at the state level. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed reservations about the program, calling it “deeply concerning” and suggesting that it “raises serious questions that folks may want to take a look at.” State attorneys general across the targeted swing states are examining the implications of the voter incentive program.
“but when you start flowing this kind of money into politics, I think it raises serious questions that folks may want to take a look at.” – Josh Shapiro
Complicating matters further, the legality of compensating signature gatherers varies by state. While some states have banned pay-per-signature methods, others, like Texas where America PAC is based, have no specific prohibitions. This patchwork of regulations adds another layer of complexity to the legal scrutiny facing Musk’s initiative.
Financial Impact and Campaign Strategy
The scale of Musk’s investment in this initiative is substantial. With $75 million committed to the America PAC and $72 million already spent on campaign support, the daily $1 million voter rewards represent a significant financial commitment to influencing the upcoming election. The PAC has deployed up to 400 campaign workers in each of the seven targeted swing states, demonstrating a robust ground game to complement its digital outreach.
“a fun and good use of money” – Elon Musk
As the Department of Justice reviews the complaints and legal experts continue to debate the program’s legality, the impact of Musk’s America PAC on the election landscape remains to be seen. With the presidential election on the horizon, the resolution of these legal challenges could have significant implications for campaign finance regulations and the role of wealthy individuals in shaping electoral outcomes.
Sources:
- Elon Musk Faces Investigation Calls from Republican DOJ Veterans
- Elon Musk Giving $1 Million Daily To Swing State Voters Who Sign His Petition—In Latest Controversial Giveaway
- Elon Musk offers $1M a day incentive for voter registration ahead of election