The Justice Department’s public integrity section has issued a warning to Elon Musk’s America PAC, cautioning against offering anything of value to influence voter registration or voting. Musk, in his support for Donald Trump, has been running lotteries to reward individuals who sign petitions in favor of constitutional amendments, attracting concern over legality.
Initially offering $47 for each petition signer, the reward grew to $100 with incentives for both the signee and the referrer, ultimately culminating in a million-dollar sweepstakes. However, federal law prohibits incentivizing voter registration or voting, carrying fines of up to $10,000 and potential prison sentences. Despite America PAC arguing the legality of the lotteries, the DOJ maintains that offering incentives to influence votes is a violation.
Musk, the world’s richest man, continues to fund Trump’s campaign through America PAC, seeking to increase voter engagement. The warning to America PAC serves as a cautionary message, with the DOJ having sent similar notices to other organizations.
Stay updated with more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition by subscribing to our weekly newsletter