Billionaire and Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk has distributed $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters, following the state supreme court’s decision not to intervene in a legal challenge to the giveaway.
What Happened
At a recent rally, Musk handed out two $1 million checks to voters who had signed a petition opposing “activist” judges, stating “we just want judges to be judges.” This move came ahead of a highly contested Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
The Controversy
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, had sued to block the distribution, arguing it violated state laws prohibiting gifts in exchange for votes. Musk’s legal team countered that Kaul was “restraining Mr. Musk’s political speech and curtailing his First Amendment rights.”
A Critical Election
The Wisconsin race has become the most expensive judicial election in American history and a significant political flashpoint.
Elon Musk’s Statement
Musk took to social media to express his views, stating his intentions to support voters who share his beliefs.
Why It Matters
This incident continues Musk’s pattern of offering controversial voter incentives. In the past, he has announced programs offering $1 million daily to registered voters in battleground states who sign his America PAC petition supporting First and Second Amendment rights.
Election Law Experts Weigh In
Election law experts have raised serious concerns about these initiatives, stating that they may be illegal. Richard Hasen, director of UCLA’s Safeguarding Democracy Project, noted that “the only people eligible to participate in this giveaway are the people who are registered to vote. And that makes it illegal.”
Musk’s Involvement in the 2024 Election Cycle
Musk, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, has reportedly invested millions in the 2024 election cycle, with his voter incentive programs targeting swing states critical to the presidential race.
Key Points
- Elon Musk distributed $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters
- The move sparked controversy and a legal challenge
- Musk’s actions are part of a larger pattern of offering voter incentives
- Election law experts have raised concerns about the legality of these initiatives
- The Wisconsin Supreme Court election has become a significant political flashpoint