Philadelphia DA sues Musk over daily voter-data-for-$1m prize scheme
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The news: Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and his political action committee, alleging the committee's USD1 million ($1.52 million) daily giveaways targeting swing-state voters are illegal.
The context: The civil suit claims Musk’s lottery scheme, awarding cash to voters who sign a petition supporting free speech and gun rights, violates Pennsylvania’s consumer protection and lottery laws, especially targeting vulnerable residents by requiring personal information, media reported citing the lawsuit documents.
The Justice Department had last week warned Musk’s America PAC, which supports Donald Trump, that the cash giveaways luring voters to give their personal information could breach federal law.
On Monday America PAC referred The Wall Street Journal to Musk’s X account, which stated, following the lawsuit’s filing, that the giveaway would continue until Election Day.
Krasner is asking the Philadelphia County court of common pleas for an order that would prohibit Musk and his PAC from continuing to engage in "any unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with their lottery," USA Today reported.
Legal experts cited by media are split on whether the giveaways constitute a federal election violation, though some suggest they could improperly influence voters.
The sources: Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office , The Wall Street Journal , USA Today, Bloomberg, Reuters
