Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, who is actively supporting Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the U.S. presidential election, has become embroiled in a controversy over illegal electioneering. The New York Times reported on the 20th local time that there might be legal issues with Musk’s recent offer of a “chance to win $1 million” to encourage voter registration among conservatives in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
Previously, Musk had promised to select one Pennsylvania resident each day at random, who signed a petition supporting the First (freedom of expression) and Second (right to bear arms) Amendments, to receive $1 million. The problem lies in the fact that Musk required “voter registration” as a qualification to sign the petition.
U.S. law defines exchanging compensation in return for voter registration or voting as vote-buying. Not only cash and goods but also offering opportunities like Musk did is considered illegal. If Musk had offered the drawing opportunity to all petition signers without conditions, it would not be problematic, but since he placed the condition of “voter registration,” it is deemed illegal.
However, there are notable counterarguments claiming that Musk’s offer was made within legal boundaries. The current law prohibits exchanging compensation specifically for voter registration activities, not for signing a petition.
Aside from the $1 million draw, Musk has also been paying people $47 (approximately 63,000 won) per petitioner they encourage to sign in seven battleground states, including Pennsylvania.