Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and his super PAC, America PAC, in an attempt to stop a million-dollar giveaway targeting registered voters. Krasner argues that the PAC’s daily cash giveaway is an “unlawful lottery” and has sought an injunction to immediately halt the initiative, which election experts and the Justice Department have flagged as potentially violating federal law.
Krasner’s filing states, “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.” The lawsuit argues this amounts to a lottery, which under Pennsylvania law must be regulated by the state.
Contest sparks concerns over Federal Law compliance
Launched this month, Musk’s America PAC has begun awarding $1 million each day to a registered voter who signs a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments.
The PAC has also promised Pennsylvania voters $100 if they sign the petition. While federal law prohibits paying individuals to vote, Musk claims the giveaway aims to gather petition signatures and is not related to voter registration. Nonetheless, the Justice Department issued a warning letter to the PAC, as the contest is limited to voters in battleground states, with Pennsylvania voters receiving additional financial incentives. Musk defended the campaign, stating in an online town hall Friday, “This is not a petition to vote for or register for anyone. It’s really a petition in support of the Constitution of the United States, and in particular, freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.”
Response awaited from America PAC
So far, neither Musk nor America PAC has commented on the lawsuit, which underscores mounting scrutiny over efforts that may blur legal lines on voter outreach. With Musk actively promoting former President Donald Trump, election law experts continue to warn that similar initiatives could face further legal challenges as they develop across key swing states.