Politiquera(o) is a term that initially referred to election workers paid to promote voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, particularly in rural communities like colonias. The label became a negative connotation after instances of political fraud including accusations and FBI investigations of buying votes with alcohol, drugs and money in some Rio Grande Valley elections.

According to Federal law, anyone who “pays or offers to pay or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting” can be criminally charged and imprisoned for up to 5 years. 

The campaign stunt unleashed a series of legal concerns which prompted the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section to warn Musk’s  Political Action Committee, America PAC, of the potential violation of federal law. 

The prospective benefits the SpaceX founder could gain through his political endorsement of Trump have drawn speculation since two of his companies receive billion-dollar federal contracts. For the 956, future federal decisions friendly to SpaceX by a second possible Trump administration would surely continue to impact our communities.

Musk has given more than $75 million to his pro-free speech/pro-gun America PAC and is now shelling out more money, potentially and allegedly in an illegal manner, to sway the election. If some señoras in South Texas can be investigated and targeted for alleged electoral fraud then surely one of the most visible people in the nation should as well, especially when their actions are so egregious.  

The SpaceX owner showcases the issue with big money in politics. While the push for political contribution reform might be a tougher sell nationally, currently, the citizens of McAllen have the choice to reduce individual political contributions through Proposition A. Petitioned through GroundGame Texas the ballot initiative sets to limit campaign contributions in McAllen’s municipal elections to $500 per person. 

So, ya guey, go vote and voice your opinion on how big money influences politics!