Elon Musk’s Voting History Contradicts His Stance on Mail-in Ballots
Elon Musk, the tech mogul and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has repeatedly denounced voting by mail as "insane" and prone to fraud. However, records obtained by NBC News reveal that Musk himself voted by mail twice while residing in California – in the 2016 presidential election and the 2018 midterm election. This revelation raises questions about the sincerity of his criticism and his commitment to election integrity.
Key Takeaways:
- Hypocrisy: Musk’s voting history directly contradicts his public stance on mail-in voting, suggesting a potential double standard.
- Selective Participation: Despite being registered to vote in California for 18 years, Musk only cast ballots in two elections.
- Misleading Claims: Musk has spread misleading information about mail-in voting, including the false claim that it was "not allowed" prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Inconsistency: While criticizing mail-in voting, Musk’s Super PAC actively encourages absentee voting.
- Influence: Musk’s influential platform and public statements on election integrity could sway public opinion and undermine trust in democratic processes.
Voting History Under Scrutiny
Musk’s sparse voting history in California begs the question: Why did he choose to vote only in these two specific elections? His participation in the 2016 election, which saw Trump’s victory, and the 2018 midterm election, a key event for his political leanings, suggests a selective approach to voting.
Musk, who became a U.S. citizen in 2002, didn’t cast his first ballot until 14 years later, at age 45. It’s unclear what influenced his decision to vote in the 2016 and 2018 elections.
Misinformation and Misleading Claims
Musk’s public pronouncements on mail-in voting are not just contradictory to his own actions, they also contain misleading information. He claimed in January 2023 that "In the USA, you don’t need government-issued ID to vote and you can mail in your ballot. This is insane."
This statement is demonstrably false. While specific requirements vary by state, most require voters to provide identification numbers like driver’s license, state identification, or Social Security numbers. Some states, including Texas, require the same information when voting by mail.
In May 2023, Musk incorrectly asserted that widespread mail-in voting wasn’t allowed before the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated, "Widespread voting by mail (not allowed before the scamdemic) makes proving fraud almost impossible." However, mail-in voting has long been a legitimate option in many states, and California, where Musk lived while casting his mail-in ballots, has had it for years.
Absentee Ballots and Contradictory Actions
In 2020, after moving to Texas, Musk reportedly voted by absentee ballot. This reinforces the hypocrisy surrounding his public claims against mail-in voting.
Furthermore, America PAC, Musk’s Super PAC, distributes mailers in swing states encouraging voters to request absentee ballots and submit them by mail. This action directly contradicts Musk’s public opposition to mail-in voting and undermines his claims of concern regarding election fraud.
The Impact of Public Figures and Trust in Elections
Musk’s prominent position in the tech world affords him a wide platform, and his statements on voting and elections can have a significant impact on public opinion. His assertions regarding mail-in voting, despite his own use of this method, could erode trust in the integrity of democratic processes.
It’s crucial for public figures to be transparent and consistent in their stances, especially concerning issues as vital as voting rights and election security. Musk’s actions and statements raise serious concerns regarding his commitment to these principles, and his contradictory behavior should be subject to scrutiny and accountability.