Elon Musk's voter lottery looks illegal. Too bad he'll probably get away with it

[Ramsey Barner]

Source: LA Times

Elon Musk’s voter registration lottery scheme is too cute by half and probably illegal. It also illustrates why violations of election law often go unpunished.

[....]

The barriers to law enforcement here are typical of election matters. To begin with, while every voter in the state (or every Harris voter) is arguably harmed by the scheme to manipulate the electorate, it would be difficult to find someone to bring a claim against Musk. The Supreme Court has found that a “generalized grievance” that applies equally to every voter can’t confer the necessary legal standing.

The Department of Justice could sue Musk’s PAC and seek an injunction directing it to cease any unlawful behavior. And it might. But the department’s letter was sent days ago without public comment, and its reported warning that the lottery may be illegal isn’t likely to petrify scofflaws such as Musk and Trump. And it’s well-known that the department is habitually hesitant to do anything that could be perceived as interfering with an election.

Even if the department did secure an injunction, there would be no way to undo the new registrations of likely Trump voters that Musk already has stitched up. The same would be true if the department leveled federal criminal charges against the PAC, the prospects of which are remote for that and other reasons.

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-10-24/elon-musk-voter-lottery-swing-states-donald-trump-election-2024-harry-litman

[Easterncedar]

1. The Supreme Court is worthless

I can’t believe it has sunk so far so fast

[PedroXimenez]

2. enforcing election laws could be seen as interfering in the election

got it

[anniebelle]

3. DOJ

I truly hope Kamala will appoint a more aggressive Attorney General. I am truly disappointed in Merrick Garland.

[chicoescuela]

4. Garland will wait until after the election to stop the lottery.

No sense of urgency

[Orrex]

11. One hates to appear motivated by politics, after all.

[chicoescuela]

12. Yep, sounds correct

[ck4829]

5. There will be consequences for him OR for our society and image

What are we choosing?

[delisen]

6. Did Musk already stop his lottery after letter

or is he continuing?

I haven’t seen another winner announced.

[bluestarone]

7. I'm sure he KNEW he wouldn't have to pay a thing. BUT

He got some good media attention.

[ailsagirl]

14. His little "giveaways" smack of desperation

What a creep

[groundloop]

8. Hell, I'll sign Elmo's petition or whatever it is for a chance to take his money......

He'll never know who I vote for, I'd be thrilled to relieve him of some cash.

On the other hand I don't really believe he's serious about giving any money away, he and tRump are birds of a feather.

[DENVERPOPS]

9. Another Regulatory Agency

Republicans want to do away with........FEC

[Orrex]

10. Is this even a crime if you're a billionaire? Is anything?

[Marcuse]

13. Trickle down economics or bribery?

[cstanleytech]

15. As is often the case the 1% can usually do whatever the hell they want with no fear of repercussions.

[4catsmom]

16. maybe it will bankrupt Elon

having to bribe Republicans every year. And Democrats saying they will vote GOP, take the money, then voting Dem.
I know he was too much money for this but he's not a good judge of character and that causes him to lose large amounts of money.

Example: Elon is probably expecting Trump to make him the 'shadow president' if he wins, but Trump does not feel like he owes anyone anything, no matter what they do for him. He'll probably have Must arrested and deported on day one if he should (God forbid)win. unless Elon continues to give him $50 mil per month.