Philadelphia DA files lawsuit against Elon Musk over $1 million lottery for voters

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has filed a lawsuit on Monday to halt a political action committee run by billionaire Elon Musk from giving away $1 million to registered voters in swing states.

The lawsuit by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner alleges Musk and his ‘America PAC’ of trying to influence voters in the presidential election by awarding cash prizes, which amounts to an illegal lottery. The filing requests an injunction to block the daily award, which comes just days after the Justice Department sent a letter to the super PAC  warning that awarding $1 million to registered voters could violate federal laws against paying voters.

According to America PAC’s website, the PAC has so far given out sweepstakes-style checks to nine people around the U.S., including four in Pennsylvania. The group notes that the payments are only available to registered voters in seven states, but includes a “special offer” for registered voters in Pennsylvania, offering $100 to petition signers and another $100 to those who referred a signer. America PAC said registered voters are also eligible in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina and Wisconsin. In order to be eligible for the prize residents of the state must be registered to vote and agree to sign a petition, supporting the First Amendment and Second Amendment.

Krasner said in a statement announcing the complaint: “The Philadelphia District Attorney is charged with protecting the public from public nuisances and unfair trade practices, including illegal lotteries. The DA is also charged with protecting the public from interference with the integrity of elections.”

Krasner also accuses Musk of “lulling Philadelphia citizens — and others in the Commonwealth (and other swing states in the upcoming election) — to give up their personal identification information and make a pledge in exchange for a chance to win $1 million. That is a lottery, and it is undisputably an unlawful lottery,” noting lotteries must be regulated by the state. The lawsuit also accused Musk and the PAC of “deploying deceptive, vague or misleading statements that create the likelihood of confusion or misunderstanding,” through the lottery, which violates Pennsylvania consumer protection law.

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