Elon Musk offers voters $1 million for their signature: Is it above board?

Elon Musk, the billionaire behind SpaceX, Tesla, and X, is distributing million-dollar checks as part of a campaign to motivate people to register and, perhaps even more crucially, to cast their votes early.

His political action group, America PAC, created to bolster Donald Trump’s presidential bid, is urging registered voters in seven pivotal swing states to sign an online petition promoting First and Second Amendment rights.

The petition, which states, "The First and Second Amendments guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. By signing below, I am pledging my support for the First and Second Amendments," requires signers to be registered voters in one of the following battleground swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin.

According to America PAC’s website, each day until the election, a random signatory will be awarded a $1 million prize. Additionally, Pennsylvania voters who sign receive $100, with an extra $100 for each registered Pennsylvania voter they refer.

America PAC, largely funded by Musk’s $75 million contribution, plays a central role in Trump’s 2024 campaign as he seeks to reclaim the White House against Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Musk, who Forbes lists as the world’s richest individual, has become an outspoken Trump supporter, and Trump has suggested he would appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission if elected.

The giveaway program has sparked concerns among legal experts and Democratic officials, with some questioning if it may contravene U.S. law by offering monetary incentives for activities linked to voter registration. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed to CBS News that it received a request from former Republican officials urging an investigation into Musk’s program.

“America PAC and Elon Musk are running an illegal lottery in Philadelphia (as well as throughout Pennsylvania),” the suit initiated by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said.

“In other words, America PAC and Musk are lulling Philadelphia citizens – and others in the Commonwealth (and other swing states in the upcoming election) – to give up their personal identifying information and make a political pledge in exchange for the chance to win $1 million. That is a lottery.”

Musk defends the petition, insisting, “You can be from any or no political party and you don’t even have to vote.” However, records show that none of the 14 prize winners to date have been registered Democrats or supporters of Harris.

Critics have pointed out that the program could be perceived as targeting Republican-leaning voters, as federal law prohibits payments in exchange for voter registration. According to some analysts, the lack of Democratic winners might reflect the lower rate of Democratic participation in the petition compared to Republicans.