US presidential election 2024: $1 million for every US voter? This is why Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is giving away money to voters before the election

Elon Musk recently launched a provocative initiative offering voters the chance to win up to $1 million for signing a petition in support of constitutional rights. As Tesla’s CEO increases his support for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, the effort has raised questions among election law experts about its legality. Musk’s super PAC, Elon’s America PAC, is promoting this campaign primarily in battleground states, including Pennsylvania, leading to discussions about whether these financial incentives may violate federal election laws.

Financial incentives for signing petitions

The initiative aims to reward Pennsylvania voters with a daily prize of $1 million for signing the First and Second Amendment petitions. Voters in other key swing states can earn $47 for each signature recommendation they make. Musk wants to collect a million signatures, but this campaign has sparked debate over whether these financial incentives could violate federal election rules.

Legal concerns raised by experts

Federal law specifically prohibits compensating individuals for registering or voting, with violations punishable by prison time. However, Musk’s offer revolves around signing a petition rather than directly influencing voting or registration, making the legal implications somewhat unclear. Richard Hasen, an election law expert, suggested that Musk’s actions could still be illegal depending on the underlying intent. He explained, “It is similar to offering free food to voters who wear stickers that say ‘I voted,'” noting that such actions could be construed as indirect incentives to participate in the electoral process, potentially violating federal law violates.

Conversely, Bradley Smith, former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, argues that Musk’s strategy remains within legal limits. He noted, “He doesn’t pay people to register or vote,” and claimed that the connection between signing a petition and voter registration was “too attenuated” to be considered illegal. Therefore, since the payments are explicitly linked to the signing of the petition, this initiative may be in compliance with current electoral laws.

Musk’s political ambitions and events

While Musk’s PAC insists the initiative is focused solely on supporting constitutional rights, critics argue it could indirectly influence voter turnout or collect valuable data for future political efforts. Observers have noted that the initiative appears aimed at mobilizing voters to align with Trump’s agenda, particularly on issues such as free speech and gun rights.

Musk recently made headlines when he promised to give away $1 million every day until the upcoming election to someone who signed his online petition. He quickly handed a check for $1 million to John Dreher, an attendee at a rally supporting Trump in Pennsylvania. “John had no idea, by the way. You’re welcome,” Musk said as he presented the check. This event in Harrisburg was the third Musk has held in as many days in Pennsylvania, where he laid out the November election in stark terms, urging his supporters to vote early and encouraging others to do the same. Musk declared that if Kamala Harris wins, it will be “the last election,” which would have devastating consequences for the future of the United States. He added that the two assassination attempts against Trump showed the former president’s destructive impact, saying: “Assassinating a puppet is worthless.”

Mobilization efforts and funding

The petition promoted by Musk states: “The First and Second Amendments guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. By signing, I affirm my support for the First and Second Amendments.” Attendees at Musk’s events must sign this petition so that America PAC can collect contact information for potential voters they want to mobilize for Trump.

According to the federal government, Musk, whom Forbes ranks as the world’s richest person, has donated at least $75 million to America PAC. That financial support has made the group a crucial part of Trump’s strategy to retake the White House. Musk’s increasing involvement in political causes underscores his growing influence in the 2024 presidential campaign, and as the election date approaches, the impact of his actions is likely to come under scrutiny.

While Musk continues to use his wealth to influence the election, his initiative raises significant questions about the limits of financial incentives in the electoral process and reflects broader questions about election integrity and voter mobilization in the current political landscape.