Musk’s $1m-a-day campaign sparks controversy among Pennsylvania voters

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and owner of the platform X, is under fire for his latest electoral strategy aimed at influencing Pennsylvania voters ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Through his campaign group, AmericaPAC, Musk is offering a staggering $1 million per day to registered voters in the crucial swing state, provided they sign a pro-constitution petition supporting free speech and gun rights. This bold move is seen by many as a direct attempt to mobilize Republican support, particularly for Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Legal experts and Democratic officials have raised concerns about the legality of Musk’s approach. Election law specialist Rick Hasen highlighted that U.S. federal law strictly prohibits any form of payment to voters for registration or voting. Although Musk’s campaign claims to be gathering signatures for a petition rather than offering direct financial incentives for votes, Hasen argued that the intent behind the campaign seems to violate the spirit of the law. He pointed out that by limiting eligibility to registered voters in swing states like Pennsylvania, the campaign skirts close to legal boundaries. This could result in a fine of up to $10,000 or a prison sentence of five years if deemed illegal.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who supports Kamala Harris’s campaign, expressed his concern over Musk’s tactics, stating that law enforcement should investigate whether the payments violate election laws. Shapiro described the strategy as potentially undermining the democratic process, emphasizing that such moves raise questions about voter influence and election fairness.

AmericaPAC’s Influence on Trump’s Campaign

Musk’s AmericaPAC, which was established earlier in the year, has become a central player in Trump’s re-election campaign. The group has received $75 million in donations from Musk, with the funds being used to reach potential Trump supporters through various methods, including this controversial lottery system. Campaign insiders say the group’s focus is on data-driven voter mobilization, with the petition serving as a tool to collect contact details from supporters who can later be targeted through digital and physical outreach.

The PAC claims its mission is to promote values such as secure borders, a fair justice system, and the right to self-protection, aligning closely with Trump’s agenda. Musk himself stated that he aims to gather over a million signatures from battleground state voters to show strong support for constitutional rights. He expressed the belief that this initiative sends a powerful message to politicians ahead of the November vote.

Expert opinion: Legal implications and voter influence

Election law experts have voiced concerns over the implications of Musk’s campaign. Hasen emphasized that regardless of the petition’s intent, the collection of signatures tied to financial rewards in swing states crosses an ethical line. He stressed that the strategy essentially identifies Trump supporters, creating a targeted pool of voters for future engagement. This approach, he added, could have far-reaching effects if replicated in other battleground states.

Critics argue that Musk’s wealth and influence could undermine fair competition, as few campaign entities have the resources to match such aggressive financial incentives. However, supporters of Musk’s strategy claim it simply encourages voter engagement and upholds free speech values.

Key battleground focus: Pennsylvania’s role in the election

Pennsylvania’s importance as a swing state cannot be overstated. With its significant electoral votes, it has the power to influence the election outcome, making it a focal point for both parties. Musk’s campaign, therefore, aims to rally Republican support in this critical region, ensuring Trump’s message resonates with undecided or unengaged voters.