In a controversial ruling, a Pennsylvania judge has given the green light for Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes to continue until the presidential election on Tuesday. The decision comes after a legal challenge from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, who accused Musk’s political action committee (PAC) of running a scam to influence the election.
The judge, Angelo Foglietta, made the decision on Monday, rejecting arguments by the District Attorney’s Office that the sweepstakes violated electoral laws. While the judge did not immediately disclose his reasoning behind the ruling, Musk’s lawyers maintain that the initiative is legitimate and constitutes protected political speech. They claim the sweepstakes winners are carefully selected individuals who endorse the U.S. Constitution through a signed petition, and not randomly chosen participants.
The lawsuit against Musk’s PAC argued that the lottery targeted registered voters in key swing states, potentially manipulating voter behavior. The District Attorney, Larry Krasner, had labeled the sweepstakes a “scam” aimed at swaying the national election.
Despite the legal challenges, Musk’s lawyers confirmed they have no plans to extend the sweepstakes beyond Election Day. The America PAC, which supports Republican former President Donald Trump, has already committed over $70 million to assist Republican candidates in the upcoming elections.
The ongoing presidential race between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris has been fiercely contested, with both candidates vying for a victory in this critical election. While the judge’s decision allows the controversial sweepstakes to continue until the very last minute, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on the outcome of the election.
This high-stakes legal battle highlights the growing tensions surrounding political campaigns and the use of unconventional tactics to influence voters. As the election draws closer, the scrutiny on Musk’s voter sweepstakes is likely to intensify, adding another layer of intrigue to the already dramatic political landscape.
