Tech billionaire Elon Musk, known for his role as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, expressed his opinion that voting should only be done in person, on paper, with ID as a form of identification. Musk’s statement contradicted his own history of voting by mail and the efforts of his pro-Trump super PAC, America PAC, to encourage others to vote by mail as well. Despite this, Musk firmly stated his belief that paper ballots and in-person voting with ID should be the only way to vote to prevent potential voter fraud. He also promoted a debunked conspiracy theory involving Dominion Voting Systems during a town hall event, which he claimed was part of a plot to rig elections.
While voting by mail or absentee ballot has become common in some jurisdictions and there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States, Musk remains staunch in his opposition to these methods of voting. He voted by mail in the 2016 and 2018 elections, according to California state records, but has continued to speak out against mail-in and absentee voting. Despite his personal practice, Musk has not resolved his opposition with his own voting history, maintaining his belief that voting by mail can lead to fraud. Musk’s super PAC, America PAC, which he has given nearly $75 million to, continues to promote mail-in and absentee voting as a secure way to support Trump in the election.
During a town hall event in Oaks, Pennsylvania, Musk addressed a question about how to “stop the steal,” referring to Trump’s false claims about winning the 2020 election. An audience member suggested that votes in Georgia were being “flipped” without evidence and asked for Musk’s assistance. Musk responded by suggesting that evidence of voter fraud should be posted to his social media app X for others to evaluate. He shared several conspiracy theories during the event, including the unfounded idea that Democrats are bringing immigrants without permanent legal status into swing states to cast ballots.
Musk’s involvement in promoting conspiracy theories and his stance on voting methods have raised concerns and controversies. He held a town hall event in Pennsylvania where he discussed various topics, including business advice, video games, national birth rates, and the power of tech companies. Musk repeated false claims about Democrats and the integrity of elections in certain states. He also indicated a willingness to consider hiring Scott Presler, a conservative activist known for spreading conspiracy theories. Musk made a joke at the expense of government workers regarding the lack of charges in connection with two pipe bombs found near the U.S. Capitol before the Jan. 6, 2021 attack.
Despite Musk’s clear opposition to voting by mail or absentee ballot, his own voting history contradicts his statements. While he has voted by mail in past elections, Musk maintains that paper ballots and in-person voting with ID are the only secure ways to vote. His super PAC, America PAC, continues to promote mail-in and absentee voting despite Musk’s stance. Musk’s involvement in spreading conspiracy theories and his controversial remarks at town hall events have drawn criticism and raised questions about his influence in political discourse.
