Elon Musk Claims Electronic Voting Machines Rig Elections, Calls for Paper Ballots

In a recent rally in Pennsylvania, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk made headlines by asserting that electronic voting machines (EVMs) rig elections and should be banned from U.S. polling processes. Musk, known for his support of former President Donald Trump, voiced these controversial opinions while discussing the implications of voting technology in light of recent electoral losses by Republicans in Philadelphia and Arizona.

Musk, who is also the owner of X, Tesla, and SpaceX, linked the Republican setbacks to the use of Dominion voting machines. During his speech, he questioned the consistency of their usage across different regions, suggesting it was a “heck of a coincidence” that these machines were used in certain areas but not others. He called for a nationwide shift to paper ballots that are hand-counted, arguing that this method would eliminate potential rigging.

“There’s always a sort of question of like, say, the Dominion voting machines… Doesn’t that seem like a heck of a coincidence?” Musk stated, according to ABC News. His call for a return to paper ballots aligns with a growing trend among some political factions advocating for election integrity through more traditional voting methods.

Musk’s alignment with Trump has been notable, particularly in his vocal criticisms of President Joe Biden’s policies on immigration and business. He has made significant financial contributions to Trump’s Political Action Committee (PAC), reportedly donating USD 75 million—one of the largest donations recorded in U.S. presidential campaigns.

“I’m a technologist, I know a lot about computers,” Musk told the crowd. “And I’m like, the last thing I would do is trust a computer program, because it’s just too easy to hack.”

Musk’s assertions have prompted a strong reaction from Dominion Voting Systems. Following his comments, a spokesperson for the company issued a statement clarifying misconceptions surrounding their voting technology.

“Fact: Dominion does not serve Philadelphia County. Fact: Dominion’s voting systems are already based on voter-verified paper ballots. Fact: Hand counts and audits of such paper ballots have repeatedly proven that Dominion machines produce accurate results,” the spokesperson emphasized. They insisted that these statements are not merely opinions but verifiable facts.

The backdrop of Musk’s comments also ties into ongoing legal battles involving Dominion. The company had sued Fox News for defamation over allegations of election fraud, resulting in a landmark settlement of USD 787 million with the network.

Musk’s remarks have reignited debates around voting technology and electoral integrity in the U.S., especially in a politically charged environment. As he continues his speaking tour across Pennsylvania, the discourse surrounding EVMs and voting processes is likely to intensify, with implications for future elections.

The conversation is not only confined to the U.S. but has also reverberated in international political spheres, including India, where electronic voting has also faced scrutiny. As discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how Musk’s statements will influence public opinion and policy regarding voting technologies.