New Mexico launching vaccine sweepstakes with $10M in prizes

New Mexico is launching a sweepstakes with $10 million in prizes to encourage residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced on Twitter on Tuesday the start of “VAX 2 THE MAX NM” — a sweepstakes for vaccinated residents giving away $10 million total in prizes.

BIG NEWS:

Today we’re launching VAX 2 THE MAX NM — a cash sweepstakes for vaccinated New Mexicans with $10 million (!) in total prizes!

How to win? Simple:

1. Sign up for your shots at https://t.co/tTQgEW8mcg
2. OPT IN to the sweepstakes at https://t.co/myDUaPM1GG

That’s it!

— Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) June 1, 2021

The state will give away $1 million a week for five weeks beginning mid-June, during which one person from each of the state’s four regions will win $250,000. In early august, a statewide $5 million grand prize will be given away.

New Mexicans who have already been vaccinated can opt in! Just go to https://t.co/myDUaPM1GG and register.

Drawings will begin mid-June. We’ll be awarding $1M weekly for five weeks (four $250,000 regional winners) and then, in early August, a statewide $5M grand prize.

— Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) June 1, 2021

Residents will also have the chance to win staycations, as well as passes to state parks and museums.

And that’s not all! New Mexicans receiving shots at vaccine sites across the state will be eligible for staycations, state parks and museum passes — and more! https://t.co/lP4NO7uZ4Jhttps://t.co/Ok2isROQLz

Register to win! And let’s keep N.M. safe and healthy!

— Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) June 1, 2021

According to the sweepstake’s website, the grand prize will go to someone who is fully vaccinated, while regional winners will only have to have received at least one dose of a vaccine.

The first drawing is scheduled to begin on June 18, and the grand prize will be drawn Aug. 7.

Eligible participants have to be at least 18 years of age and have to receive at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in New Mexico. People who have already been vaccinated can simply register to enter the drawing.

The move comes as states look to various incentives, including lotteries, as a way to get hesitant Americans vaccinated. 

Ohio was the first state to announce a vaccine lottery in May. Since then, New York, Maryland and Oregon have unveiled similar plans.