On Friday, a federal court referred to the courts of the state of Pennsylvania a controversial million-dollar lottery, initiated by Elon Musk, intended to reward a voter each day in a key state. CEO Tesla launched this operation on October 19, by distributing a first check to a voter in Pennsylvania. Since then, this initiative, which indirectly supports the candidacy of Republican Donald Trump against Democrat Kamala Harris, has been questioned by local authorities.
The operation has already led to the distribution of 14 checks for one million dollars, the latest having been given on Friday to a voter in Michigan. “America PAC”, Elon Musk’s political organization, is leading an active campaign for Donald Trump. However, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a civil lawsuit to have the lottery suspended, calling it a “public nuisance” and denouncing “unfair business practices, including illegal lotteries.”
Financial incentive for a vote is illegal
The day before a hearing in Philadelphia court, Elon Musk’s lawyers attempted to move the case under federal jurisdiction, arguing that the issues involved national-level electoral issues. After examining the arguments, the federal judge finally sent the case back to the state courts.
To participate in this lottery, citizens must be registered as voters in one of the seven decisive states for the 2024 presidential election, and sign a conservative petition in favor of freedom of expression and the right to bear arms. But the Ministry of Justice reiterated that it is illegal to offer a financial incentive in exchange for a vote or registration on the electoral roll, citing “substantial fines and prison sentences” in the event of a violation. of this legislation.
