The Wisconsin Elections Commission has flagged potential election bribery law violations by billionaire Elon Musk. Musk’s political action committee reportedly offered $1 million checks to voters during a Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
The commission, which includes an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, voted 5-1 to refer two complaints against Musk to the Brown County District Attorney’s office. Communications Director Emilee Miklas confirmed this decision to CBS News.
The complaints allege Musk offered voters substantial monetary incentives, which may breach state laws prohibiting offering “anything of value” to influence voting behavior. The decision now rests with Brown County District Attorney David Lasee, who has not yet indicated whether he will pursue charges. CBS News is awaiting comments from both Lasee and Musk.
The controversy stems from Musk’s practice of cash giveaways, initiated during President Trump’s 2024 campaign, continuing through Wisconsin’s April 2025 judicial election. During that period, Musk’s political action committee, America PAC, awarded $1 million checks to voters who participated in petitions against what they called “activist judges.” Despite the financial backing, GOP-endorsed Judge Brad Schimel lost to Democratic-endorsed Judge Susan Crawford.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, attempted to halt Musk’s payments, believing them unlawful. Musk’s defense cited free speech rights. The state’s highest court declined to review the matter. Shortly before the election, Musk presented giant novelty checks at a rally, further fueling the debate.
Post-election, an advocacy group filed a lawsuit against Musk and America PAC, claiming the cash distributions violated election bribery laws and amounted to an unauthorized lottery. Musk’s legal team seeks to dismiss the ongoing case.
Similar allegations surfaced in other swing states during the 2024 presidential election. For instance, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner sued Musk for offering daily $1 million checks to Pennsylvania voters, also citing election and lottery law breaches. Nonetheless, a judge permitted these payouts, classifying the tactics as protected “core political speech.”
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