DOJ Issues Warning to Musk Over $1M Voter Giveaway

Alleged DOJ Warning to Musk's Super PAC

Elon Musk's Super PAC has reportedly received a warning from the Biden-Harris Department of Justice (DOJ) over its $1 million daily giveaway in battleground states. The DOJ suggests that the giveaway may violate federal law, according to NBC News. However, the source of this information remains anonymous.

Pressure to End the Program

The alleged warning letter comes amidst increasing calls to halt the program. The letter, which was first reported by CNN, was sent after state and federal authorities were urged to investigate Musk's lottery. The lottery is seen as a potential violation of election laws, including a prohibition on paying individuals to register to vote. Earlier this week, a group of former prosecutors and government officials requested a DOJ investigation into the matter.

Complaint Filed by Public Citizen

On the same day the news of the letter broke, Public Citizen, a left-wing public advocacy group, lodged a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission. The group alleges that the contest violates campaign finance law. The complaint argues that the $1 million reward for signing the petition seems to be an attempt to encourage voter registration and voting at the polls by those sympathetic to Donald Trump's candidacy in key swing states for the 2024 presidential election.

Alleged Violation of Election Law

The complaint further suggests that since the contest is only open to registered voters, it could be seen as an illegal financial incentive to encourage voter registration. However, Musk's PAC, the America PAC, is asking people to sign a petition for a chance to win $1 million, not explicitly rewarding them for registering to vote.

Concerns Raised by Pennsylvania Governor

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his concern over the contest, stating that it's something that law enforcement should look into.

Legal Gray Area

While the contents of the alleged DOJ letter remain unknown, it is speculated to be a cease-and-desist letter, akin to what Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream received in 2008 when they offered a free ice cream cone to everyone with an "I Voted" sticker on election day. According to legal experts at NBC News, the giveaway falls into a legal gray area that may or may not violate election law. Election law expert Matthew Sanderson stated, "I can see what people are saying when they argue this violates the law, but I don’t think it does."

Musk's Announcement of the Giveaway

Musk announced the giveaway at a town hall event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, last Saturday.

Bottom Line

This situation presents a complex intersection of election law, campaign finance, and the role of private individuals and organizations in the electoral process. While some view Musk's giveaway as a potential violation of election laws, others see it as a unique approach to encouraging voter participation. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.