Elon Musk is being reminded by the Justice Department that paying people to vote is a crime and punishable by up to five years in prison

I wonder whether or not Elon Muskis a minor election stunt in which the world's richest man has pledged to donate $1 million a day to registered voters who sign a petition as part of his attempt Donald Trump elected – is it legal? Don't wonder any longer! According to the Justice Department, which contacted Musk this week, this is most likely not the case.

A letter sent days after the competition was announced said: Robert Heberle, The head of the DOJ's Election Crimes Unit communicated this offer to Musk anything Using monetary value to influence voters violates federal law. (The letter was first published in the 24sight newsletter and confirmed by other news outlets.) The letter reportedly “did not specify any immediate legal action” but did “outline the penalties for violating U.S. election laws, including possible prison time.” of up to five years.”

On Musk's America PAC website, the petition that potential $1 million recipients must sign states: “The First and Second Amendments guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.” By signing, I affirm “My support for the First and Second Amendments.” It also states: “Our goal is to get 1 million registered voters in swing states to support the Constitution, especially freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.” This Program is open only to registered voters in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Expires November 5.” So far, four people – three in Pennsylvania and one in North Carolina – have been awarded money, most recently “Andy from Holly Springs, NC,” whom Musk congratulated on Wednesday.

A DOJ spokesman declined The New York Times' Please comment. Musk, his super PAC and his lawyer did not respond to requests for comment. Rick Hasen, The director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at the UCLA School of Law wrote on his blog Saturday that Musk's plan was “clearly illegal” because the petition required the signatories to be registered voters in certain states.

At a rally in Wisconsin on Tuesday, he said: Tim Waltz called Musk an “idiot” and told the crowd, “This guy is literally the richest man in the world.” And he’s spending millions of dollars to help Donald Trump buy an election.”

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