Court refuses to stop Elon Musk handing out $1,000,000 checks to Wisconsin voters
Elon Musk ignited controversy and legal challenges after revealing his intention to distribute $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters during a contest for power over the state's Supreme Court. Musk shared news about his disputed plan on Friday (March 28) on Twitter, declaring he would give two voters the opportunity to receive checks "in appreciation for [them] taking the time to vote." The Tesla CEO stated the proposal was exclusively available to individuals who had already cast ballots, but the idea of providing money to voters prompted Wisconsin Attorney General and Democrat Josh Kaul to submit a lawsuit alleging Musk was breaking state law.
Kaul expressed in a Twitter statement: "The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that elections in Wisconsin are safe, secure, free, and fair."
"We are aware of the offer recently posted by Elon Musk to award a million dollars to two people at an event in Wisconsin this weekend. Based on our understanding of applicable Wisconsin law, we intend to take legal action today to seek a court order to stop this from happening."
In his legal document, Kaul stated: "Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value to induce anyone to vote. Yet, Elon Musk did just that."
Musk's attorneys responded by claiming the Attorney General was "restraining Mr Musk's political speech and curtailing his First Amendment rights."
The attorneys further explained that the checks were "intended to generate a grassroots movement in opposition to activist judges, not to expressly advocate for or against any candidate."
Two lower courts ultimately ruled in Musk's favor, and Kaul's effort to get the supreme court's view failed when it unanimously refused to consider the case moments before the Wisconsin rally began.
Consequently, Musk appeared on stage in Green Bay on Sunday (March 30), and invited two voters who had signed a petition against "activist" judges to receive their $1 million checks.
Together with Donald Trump, the tech magnate has supported Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel in the Supreme Court election; a conservative nominee whom Republicans hope will shift the court to their advantage.
Regarding the vote, Musk declared: "It's a super big deal. I'm not phoning it in. I'm here in person. I think this will be important for the future of civilization."
It's that's significant." Despite the backing he has received from Musk, Schimel informed the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Friday that he would not attend the rally, stating: "I have no idea what he's doing. I have no idea what this rally is." Schimel competes against Dane County Judge Susan Crawford in the election.
