In a recent post on the X platform, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, responded to Utah Senator Mike Lee’s concerns about the current state of voting systems in the United States. Musk’s post, which came in response to Lee’s criticism of mail-in ballots and the potential for voter fraud, advocated for a return to in-person voting with same-day counting and the use of paper ballots.
U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) posted as part of a longer thread on X:
“This is one of many reasons why Utah and other states should move away from universal, mail-in balloting. It just creates too many additional complications, and in some cases results in disenfranchisement. @elonmusk is right to warn people of these things.”
Musk responded:
“Absolutely. In-person only and paper ballots. Same-day counting.”
Absolutely. In-person only and paper ballots. Same-day counting.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 21, 2024
Musk’s post highlighted the need for a more secure and transparent voting system, one that would minimize the potential for fraud and ensure that every vote is counted accurately. He argued that in-person voting, combined with same-day counting, would provide a more efficient and reliable method of tallying votes, while the use of paper ballots would create a physical record that could be audited if necessary.
The issue of voting systems and the potential for fraud has been a topic of intense debate in recent years, particularly in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. Many conservatives, including Senator Lee, have expressed concerns about the integrity of mail-in voting and the possibility of widespread voter fraud. Musk’s post appears to align with these concerns, as he emphasized the need for a more secure and transparent system.
However, Musk’s proposal has also drawn criticism from those who argue that it would disenfranchise certain groups of voters, particularly those who may have difficulty accessing polling stations or who rely on mail-in voting due to work or family commitments. Critics also point out that paper ballots are not immune to fraud and can be subject to manipulation or tampering.
Despite the controversy surrounding Musk’s proposal, his advocacy for in-person voting and paper ballots highlights the ongoing debate over the best way to ensure the integrity of the voting process. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the issue of voting systems and the potential for fraud is likely to remain a topic of intense discussion and debate.
Musk’s recent moves have flustered Democrats to say the least. He endorsed Donald Trump for president after the assassination attempt as we reported as well and is reportedly funding a $45 million super PAC.