"Election interference?" — Netizens react to Elon Musk giving $47 to every person who refers a swing state voter

In a move that has ignited fierce debate across social media, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced an incentive program offering $47 to any individual who successfully refers a voter from a swing state.

On October 7, 2024, Elon Musk introduced a petition encouraging registered voters in swing states — states where both major political parties, typically Democrats and Republicans, enjoy nearly equal levels of support — to participate in a referral program. Musk’s petition promises $47 to each registered voter in these key battleground states who successfully refers others to sign the petition supporting the First and Second Amendments.

However, with the United States presidential elections fast approaching, Musk's latest initiative has sparked widespread speculation and concern on X. This has many questioning its potential impact on election integrity —

"Election interference? 😳🤷‍♂️," one wrote.

Many users on X suggested that Elon Musk might be attempting to influence votes, which they pointed out as potentially illegal. They commented that such actions are expected from a billionaire. However, others on the platform speculated that Musk’s initiative may be an effort to collect extensive data on a large scale —

"You’re paying for votes now? Things are that bad?" one on X.

"Buying votes is exactly what I expected from a drug addled, mercurial billionaire," netizen on X.

"Pretty sure buying votes is illegal," one more commented.

"I hope the ploy here is to get voter data for a massive GoTV push... Thank you, Elon, for going hard at the time we need it the most. If ever you need a capable political mind I am at your disposal free of cost," netizen commented.

Additionally, many users on X expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, suggesting that they view it as a positive and innovative initiative by Elon Musk. Some praised it as a brilliant idea, commending Musk for his creativity and engagement —

"I'M 47 INSPO AGAIN," one on X.

"Brilliant idea! Let's gooooo!," a netizen commented.

"I love this idea, but have I gotta be the one to ask if this is legal? We aren't Democrats, for Christ's sake. 🤣," one more on X.

Some X users applaud Musk's creativity and entrepreneurial approach, viewing it as a harmless incentive to increase voter participation. In the meantime, Elon Musk has to share more details about the petition but has yet to respond to the reactions.

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Elon Musk offers $47 for swing state referrals

Musk offered $47 for a registered voter (Image via X/@elonmusk)

On Monday, Jack Poso, an American political activist, shared a screenshot on X of a petition website by Elon Musk suggesting the $47 referral program Musk offers. In addition, Musk retweeted Poso's tweet with a caption indicating that it is easy money.

"For every person you refer who is a swing state voter, you get $47! Easy money," Musk tweeted.

The screenshot from the petition website suggests that individuals who sign the petition affirm their support for the First and Second Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, endorsing both freedom of speech and the right to bear arms —

"Petition in Favor of Free Speech and the Right to Bear Arms. The First and Second Amendments guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. By signing below, I am pledging my support for the First and Second Amendments. In appreciation for your support, you will receive $47 for each registered voter you refer that signs this petition," the screenshot reads.

Moreover, Elon Musk's petition website further suggested their goal is to get 1 million registered votes in the swing states. According to the petition, the swing states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, are open for this referral program, and the last date to enroll is October 21, 2024.

Elon Musk still needs to provide specific details regarding his reasons for initiating a petition amidst the election season. The upcoming presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with Kamala Harris representing the Democratic Party and Donald Trump running as the Republican Party candidate.