On Sunday, June 23, Elon Musk claimed that a widely dismissed conspiracy theory about voter registration practices has been validated.
"Another 'conspiracy theory' turns out to be true. Strange that Arizona requires proof of citizenship for the state, but not federal elections," Musk tweeted, sparking a renewed debate over voter registration and election integrity.
Musk's tweet was in response to an article that discussed how non-citizens can access voter registration forms in the United States.
According to the article, welfare offices and other agencies in 49 states are providing voter registration forms to migrants without requiring proof of citizenship.
A collage of Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Joe Biden. Photo: Getty Images
This has led to growing concerns among Republicans and conservatives, who are calling for federal action to address the issue.
Arizona stands out as the only state that has passed a law requiring proof of citizenship for state elections, while still adhering to federal regulations that do not demand such proof for federal elections.
This discrepancy has been a focal point for those advocating for stricter voter registration laws.
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 requires states to register voters at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and at offices where individuals apply for public benefits.
These offices are mandated by federal law to distribute voter registration forms alongside other application materials.
However, there is currently no requirement for federal voting forms to include proof of citizenship.
It remains illegal for non-citizens to claim they are citizens or to vote in federal elections, but the lack of a proof-of-citizenship requirement on federal forms is seen by some as a significant loophole.
Musk's comments have amplified concerns that this practice could lead to widespread election fraud, a claim that has been repeatedly challenged by election officials and experts who argue that instances of non-citizen voting are rare.
Nonetheless, the tech mogul's remarks have energized a segment of the public that is wary of the current system's vulnerabilities.
Critics argue that Musk's assertions are part of a broader effort to undermine trust in the electoral process.
They point out that voter fraud, including non-citizen voting, is extremely rare, and that measures like the NVRA are designed to make voting more accessible to eligible voters.
They also warn that increasing barriers to voter registration could disenfranchise legitimate voters.
As the debate over election integrity continues, Musk's high-profile involvement ensures that this issue will remain in the public eye. Whether his claims will lead to policy changes or further polarization remains to be seen.