Elon Musk Offers $1 Million a Day to Pennsylvania Voters in Controversial Campaign Move
In a surprising twist ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, billionaire Elon Musk has announced plans to give away $1 million a day to registered voters in Pennsylvania, one of the most critical swing states in the race. The daily giveaway will continue until the election on November 5th, targeting individuals who sign a pro-Constitution petition spearheaded by Musk’s political group, AmericaPAC, which is actively supporting Donald Trump’s campaign for a return to the White House.
The first $1 million winner was chosen at random during a town hall event on Saturday evening, leaving attendees visibly astonished. The lottery-style initiative is intended to energize potential Trump voters and spur greater involvement in the election’s final stretch.
However, the move has sparked heated debate about its legality. Election law expert Rick Hasen has voiced concerns, claiming the offer is “clearly illegal.” Federal law prohibits offering payments to encourage voting, whether directly for a candidate or merely for participation. Hasen, a professor at UCLA, argued that while Musk’s petition is framed as a pro-Constitution pledge, it targets registered voters in swing states, making it potentially unlawful.
The petition, which emphasizes support for free speech and gun rights, requires signers to provide their contact details—an opportunity for AmericaPAC to potentially reach out regarding their political preferences. Critics argue that this could lead to more strategic targeting of voters in key battleground areas.
Musk had previously made headlines by offering $47 to individuals who could get a swing-state voter to sign the petition. Although this raised some concerns, it seemed to operate in a legal gray area, as no one was being paid directly to vote.
In the U.S., it is illegal to offer payments for voting, even if the money isn’t tied to supporting a particular candidate. This law has caused issues in the past, such as when Ben & Jerry’s had to revise a 2008 plan to give free ice cream to those with “I voted” stickers on Election Day.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat backing Kamala Harris, expressed alarm over Musk’s actions, suggesting law enforcement might need to investigate. Shapiro called Musk’s offer “deeply concerning” during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press.
Musk, who has recently become a prominent Trump supporter, launched AmericaPAC in July with a $75 million donation. The group has become central to Trump’s 2024 campaign efforts, supporting policies like secure borders, fair justice, free speech, and the right to self-defense.
Musk aims to gather signatures from over a million voters in swing states, emphasizing that the petition supports essential constitutional values. He described it as sending a critical message to lawmakers.
As the 2024 election race tightens, Pennsylvania, alongside other battleground states like Wisconsin, Georgia, and Arizona, will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome. With the stakes this high, Musk’s bold move has further stirred the already heated political landscape.
