(Image source from: Twitter.com/elonmusk)
Elon Musk is back in the spotlight. This time it's not about rockets or electric cars, but about the 2024 US presidential election. Musk announced that he would give away $1 million every day to voters in some states through a lottery system. Yes, that's right. That's $1 million a day. However, there is a catch. You must register to vote in a key battleground state like Pennsylvania or Georgia and sign a petition supporting free speech and gun rights. Never one to shy away from expressing his political views, the billionaire is using his PAC, America PAC, to drum up support for Donald Trump's campaign. A PAC (political action committee) is an organization that raises money to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or policies. PACs are formed by individuals, corporations, and unions and can raise funds that can be used for advertising, campaigns, or rallies to influence elections. It's not just about a million dollar lottery ticket. For example, if you live in Pennsylvania, Musk is offering $100 just for signing the petition. Get an extra $100 when your friends sign up. Other states offer smaller but attractive bonuses of $47 per successful referral.
It's clear that Musk is doing his best to draw people's attention to his cause and, in turn, to the Trump campaign. Things get dangerous here. Donating money seems like a fun way to get people's attention, but US law says you can't offer cash or prizes to influence voter registration. Several legal experts are already raising warning signals. Campaign finance attorney Brett Kappel pointed out that paying people based on whether they are registered voters is a key prohibition under federal law. And election law expert Rick Hessen didn't mince his words and described the Musk lottery as "clearly illegal." Basically, you can't give money to someone who is just a voter. It's a federal law that Musk could potentially defy. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro will not ignore this problem. He questions whether Musk's massive financial involvement in the election should be investigated. He recognizes Musk's right to his political views, but expresses concerns about money flowing directly into politics in this way. Musk is currently pushing the lottery forward, even handing out the first $1 million check to a winner in Pennsylvania. However, as legal concerns mount, this venture may not turn out the way he wants. Be sure to. The closer it gets to Election Day, the more interesting things get.