Million-Dollar Ballots: Legal Complaints Accuse Musk of Voter Manipulation

Key Allegations

Elon Musk is at the center of a growing legal storm in Wisconsin, where a new complaint accuses him and his affiliated organizations of attempting to influence the state’s April 1 Supreme Court election through questionable financial incentives. The lawsuit, brought by a nonprofit group and two voters, names Musk, his political action committee America PAC, and a related organization, United States of America Inc.

What They Did

Musk allegedly orchestrated a campaign that offered large cash prizes and smaller payments tied to petition drives. Specifically, he gave out two $1 million checks to selected individuals and facilitated $100 payments to people who signed a petition against so-called activist judges. There were also financial rewards for referrals—raising concerns that these acts may have crossed legal boundaries.

Legal Issues

Under Wisconsin law, giving anything worth more than $1 to encourage someone to vote—or to vote a certain way—is prohibited. The state also has laws against running unregulated lottery-style promotions related to elections. The lawsuit claims Musk’s actions violate both of these statutes.

What the Lawsuit Seeks

The plaintiffs are asking the court to:

1. Declare Musk’s actions illegal under Wisconsin election laws.

2. Permanently ban him and his organizations from repeating these tactics.

3. Impose financial penalties if the court finds them justified.

Previous Legal Efforts

Earlier this year, the state’s attorney general attempted to block Musk’s actions through a separate legal challenge. However, that effort was dismissed by both lower and higher courts. Musk defended the campaign, arguing that it rewarded petition signers—not voters—and thus didn’t violate election laws.

Messaging Shift

Initially, Musk’s team linked the giveaways to people who had already voted. After public backlash and legal warnings, that message was quietly removed. The campaign was then repositioned as an initiative to support free speech and grassroots activism through petitions. Entry into the $1 million prize drawing was conditioned on signing a petition rather than voting.

Impact on the Election

Despite pouring more than $25 million into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race to support conservative candidate Brad Schimel, Musk’s efforts did not yield the desired result. Schimel lost to liberal judge Susan Crawford, who helped secure a 4–3 liberal majority on the state’s highest court.

The Bigger Picture

Musk has used similar tactics before, including in the 2024 presidential election, where he ran a national campaign that offered lottery-style rewards and referral bonuses. While a previous court allowed that campaign to proceed in Pennsylvania, critics argue that these strategies blur ethical and legal lines.

Why This Complaint Stands Out

Unlike the state attorney general’s emergency filing, this lawsuit is more thorough and strategic. It gives the courts time to carefully examine the details and could lead to a clear ruling on whether Musk’s tactics represent unlawful election interference.

What Happens Next

The case is now moving through the Wisconsin court system. If it eventually reaches the state Supreme Court, there’s a possibility of a split decision if the recently elected Justice Crawford steps aside due to her involvement in the contested election. Musk continues to claim that his actions fall within the bounds of free political expression.

Looking Ahead

With another Wisconsin Supreme Court race coming in 2026 and major national elections soon after, this case could set a major precedent. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs might tighten restrictions on money in elections. A win for Musk, however, could open the door for more cash-driven campaign strategies across the country.