Two of Elon Musk's $1m giveaway winners found to have 'already voted', records show

Two of Elon Musk's $1m giveaway winners found to have 'already voted', records show
Nicholas Owen criticises Labour's war on Elon Musk
GB News
Holly Bishop

By Holly Bishop


Published: 22/10/2024

- 14:24

Both Kristine Fishell and John Dreher had already submitted mail-in ballots this year

Two winners of Elon Musk's controversial $1million giveaway in Pennsylvania have been revealed as registered Republicans who had already cast their ballots, a report has revealed.

Kristine Fishell and John Dreher each received cheques from the Tesla billionaire after signing a petition supporting the US Constitution.


However, voting records indicate that both were previously registered to vote and had submitted mail-in ballots this year, Politico has revealed.

This revelation raises questions about the effectiveness of Musk's campaign to boost Republican voter registration in battleground states ahead of the upcoming presidential election, despite his commitment of $75million to support Donald Trump through his America PAC campaign group.

Elon Musk awarded Kristine Fishell with a $1 million check during the town hall at the Roxain Theater on October 20Elon Musk awarded Kristine Fishell with a $1 million check during the town hall at the Roxain Theater on October 20Getty


Musk's giveaway involves a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments of the US Constitution.

To be eligible, participants must be registered voters in one of seven swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania or Wisconsin.

The initiative offers $1million daily until the November 5 election to a selected signatory.

Additionally, registered Pennsylvania voters can receive $100 for signing and another $100 for referring others.

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Elon Musk

Musk's initiative offers $1 million daily until the November 5 election to a selected signatory

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Musk, a known Trump supporter, personally handed over cheques to winners, including one to a woman wearing a Trump T-shirt at a Pittsburgh event. She thanked Musk for "using his wealth and responsibility to save free speech".

The giveaway has sparked concerns among Democrats about its legality.

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's Democratic governor, called for law enforcement to investigate Musk's initiative, describing it as "deeply concerning".

"Musk obviously has a right to be able to express his views," Shapiro told NBC's Meet the Press.

Trump/Musk

Musk is running a campaign to boost Republican voter registration in battleground states ahead of the upcoming presidential election

Getty/Reuters


"But when you start flowing this kind of money into politics, I think it raises serious questions that folks may want to take a look at."

Federal law prohibits paying or receiving money as an inducement or reward for voting or registering to vote, with offenders facing potential prison time.

Musk's lawyers reportedly believe the businessman is not violating any laws, as he is not directly paying voters to register.

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