Elon Musk gives away $1 million checks to voters in October

In Pennsylvania, Elon Musk launched a $1 million giveaway starting October 19, 2024, to encourage voter participation by randomly awarding checks to registered voters who sign a petition supporting the Constitution. This initiative, designed to boost support for former President Donald Trump, has since expanded to six other swing states. Musk’s efforts aim to energize infrequent voters, which is critical for Trump's success as he contests a close race against his Democratic opponent. Dave McCormick, campaigning for his Senate seat, publicly defended the legality of Musk's sweeping initiative while framing it as a mechanism to invigorate Republican voters. During a campaign event where Musk presented one of the checks, McCormick expressed his belief that such actions could attract voters who otherwise may not participate during the election. However, the initiative has not been without controversy. Legal experts and some politicians, including Democratic figures, have questioned the legitimacy of the lottery, suggesting it may violate laws against offering financial incentives to encourage voter registration. The Justice Department has taken notice and has reportedly contacted Musk's super PAC regarding these concerns. With the election approaching and polls showing tight races, McCormick acknowledged the importance of all efforts to increase turnout, stating that he remains optimistic about the outcome despite the challenges posed by potential legal scrutiny and close polling figures.