Elon Musk isn’t known for holding back on controversial topics, and voter ID laws are no exception. During a recent podcast with Joe Rogan, Musk shared a personal story about a friend’s experience in California that highlighted his concerns about banning voter ID in elections.
The California Situation: No ID, No Problem?
To set the stage, Musk pointed out that California recently passed a law making it illegal to show ID in any election across the state—even at the local level. In a state that leans heavily Democratic (about 70%), this move seemed like a bold step. Musk’s friend, who lives in Palo Alto, decided to test it out for himself. When he went to vote and offered his ID, poll workers reacted with what Musk described as “horror,” almost like “showing a cross to a vampire.” They refused to even glance at the ID, explaining that it’s illegal to check it for any election—yes, even for City Council races.
Joe Rogan’s Take: Why Ban ID Unless There’s Something to Hide?
As the conversation continued, Rogan weighed in, asking a pointed question: “What logical reason, other than to cheat, would you ever have for that law?” He argued that there doesn’t seem to be any defensible explanation for banning voter ID. And the numbers seem to support his position; polls show that about 84% of Americans believe showing ID to vote is a reasonable requirement.
Rogan’s argument is straightforward—by banning voter ID, you’re essentially dismissing the will of the people. With such overwhelming support for voter ID, it feels like the move to ban it contradicts public opinion.
Musk’s Response: “The Reason is to Cheat, Obviously”
Musk didn’t mince words: “The reason is to cheat, obviously.” From his perspective, not requiring ID for voting creates a system where fraud is not only possible but also nearly impossible to prove. Without ID, there’s no paper trail, no way to verify who cast each ballot. Musk noted that nearly every other country requires voter ID, suggesting that the U.S. is out of step with international norms.
A System That Lacks Accountability
According to Musk, banning voter ID could create a perfect setup for potential fraud. With no way to verify voters, any discrepancies are effectively untraceable. It’s like removing the security cameras from a bank and then saying there’s no way to investigate theft. Once voter ID is off the table, the only way to trace any form of manipulation, mishandling, or fraudulent activity is eliminated.
The Bigger Picture: Trust in Elections
In a democracy, trust in the voting system is crucial. When voters feel that the process is transparent and fair, they’re more likely to trust the results, no matter the outcome. But if the system seems open to potential abuse, that trust erodes quickly. As Musk highlighted, when you take away ID requirements, it doesn’t make fraud impossible; it just makes it almost impossible to detect.
Both Musk and Rogan’s takeaways seem to echo what a majority of Americans believe: ID requirements for voting add a layer of legitimacy and accountability. In the end, the question isn’t about making it harder to vote but ensuring that every vote is valid and represents an actual, eligible person.
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