WASHINGTON D.C January 20, 2026 – Tech billionaire Elon Musk has once again weighed in on U.S. election integrity, calling for a return to “paper ballots only” and in-person voting with government-issued ID in a video clip shared by his political action committee (PAC), America PAC. The post, which quickly garnered over 2,000 likes and thousands of views on X (formerly Twitter), underscores Musk’s ongoing concerns about electronic voting systems being vulnerable to compromise.In the 27-second video, posted on January 20, 2026, Musk states: “Paper ballots only. In person voting with ID, end of story. I say this as a technologist who likes computers, but they should not handle voting tabulation. It’s far too easy for a computer to be compromised by government software.”
The footage shows Musk speaking at an event with an American flag backdrop, wearing a black “Occupy Mars” T-shirt under a blazer, emphasizing his tech credentials while advocating for low-tech voting methods.
The video was shared by @america , a PAC founded by Musk in 2025 to back candidates focused on issues like secure borders, free speech, and self-protection. Similar clips have circulated on X and other platforms in recent weeks, with accounts like @teslaownersSV and @cb_doge echoing the same message.
Musk’s stance aligns with his previous criticisms of mail-in ballots and electronic machines, which he has described as “too risky” due to potential fraud.
Supporters on X praised the proposal, with replies suggesting additions like making Election Day a national holiday or limiting voting to a single day. One user commented, “Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition,” alongside an image of traditional ballot boxes. The post has fueled discussions amid ongoing U.S. debates over election reforms, especially following the 2024 presidential race where claims of irregularities were widespread but largely unsubstantiated.
However, Musk’s views have drawn sharp criticism from election experts and fact-checkers. Studies, including a 2021 analysis in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, found that strict voter ID laws have “no negative effect on registration or turnout” and no impact on actual or perceived fraud.Critics argue that such measures could disenfranchise voters without IDs, particularly minorities, the elderly, and low-income groups, while evidence of widespread fraud remains minimal.
Additionally, Musk has been accused of hypocrisy, as records show he has voted by mail in California in the past, despite his opposition to absentee voting. Organizations like the Brennan Center for Justice note that about 98% of U.S. votes are already cast on paper ballots, countering Musk’s call for a full transition as unnecessary. Fact-checkers have also debunked related claims Musk promoted, such as conspiracy theories involving Dominion Voting Systems and Starlink’s alleged role in altering results.
Musk’s involvement in politics has intensified since acquiring X in 2022, including endorsements of candidates and funding for America PAC. His comments come on Inauguration Day 2026, a symbolic moment as the nation reflects on recent electoral processes. While proponents see his push as a safeguard for democracy, detractors warn it could erode trust in established systems without evidence-based reforms.
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