Elon Musk's cheque drive in Wisconsin sparks controversy
Elon Musk presented two individuals with cheques valued at $1 million (approximately £773,000) to voters in Wisconsin. This was his method of promoting a petition aimed at halting "activist" judges. He and Donald Trump endorsed Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court elections.
The billionaire Elon Musk hands out $1 million (approximately £773,000) cheques to voters in Wisconsin. The State Supreme Court has refused to intervene in the matter. Musk announced this initiative ahead of the upcoming Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin, which will take place on Tuesday, as reported by the BBC.
Josh Kaul, the Attorney General of Wisconsin, attempted to halt Musk's actions, arguing that they violate laws prohibiting offering gifts in exchange for votes. Musk and his lawyers contended that the cheques "intended to generate a grassroots movement in opposition to activist judges, not to expressly advocate for or against any candidate".
Two individuals who signed the petition to stop "activist" judges received these cheques. They are Ekaterina Diestler and Nicholas Jacobs. Elon Musk donated approximately £10.8 million to Judge Schimel's campaign, making it the most expensive judicial nomination race in the country's history, as reported by the BBC.
Already last year, the billionaire encouraged residents of seven states in a similar manner to sign petitions supporting the First and Second Amendment rights, which concern the prohibition of restricting freedom of religion, the press, speech, petition, and assembly, as well as the right to bear arms.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court elections are considered crucial, potentially shifting the balance of power in favour of the Republicans.
Musk, along with Donald Trump, supports the conservative candidate, Judge Brad Schimel - reminds the BBC. Schimel will compete against Susan Crawford, who has been endorsed by liberal judges. Schimel himself has distanced himself from Musk's decision to distribute cheques to voters. The elections are also considered a referendum on Trump's second term, and their outcome could influence future court decisions on issues such as abortion rights or redistricting.
