As the leadup to the 2026 midterm elections begins, social media users — among them billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who briefly served as a top advisor to President Donald Trump — are using false information to advocate for more voter ID laws in the U.S.
“America should not have worse voter ID requirements than every democratic country on Earth,” Musk wrote in a recent post, which had gone viral with approximately 310,000 likes and shares. He claimed, “California and New York actually banned use of ID to vote! It is illegal to show your ID in those states. The only reason to do this is fraud.”
However, the voter registration requirements and guidance for poll workers tell a different story.
CLAIM: It is illegal for voters to show ID when casting a ballot in New York and California.
FACTS: The statement is false. Voters in both states need to show ID when it is necessary to complete their registration, but presenting ID isn't required otherwise at polling places unless specifically indicated by poll worker guidance.
According to Kathleen McGrath, a spokesperson for the New York State Board of Elections, “There is nothing unlawful about that voter presenting a form of photo identification” when arriving at the polls.
The California secretary of state’s office echoed this sentiment, stating that “California law does not prohibit a voter from voluntarily presenting their identification.”
In New York, when registering, voters provide their Department of Motor Vehicles number or the last four digits of their social security number. They can also use valid forms of photo identification or documents that confirm their name and address, such as utility bills or bank statements. ID may be requested on Election Day if the voter’s identity cannot be verified beforehand.
Recent guidance for New York poll workers emphasizes: “Do not ask the voter for ID unless ‘ID required’ is next to their name in their voter records.”
The comparison extends to California as well, where similar identification processes exist. For first-time voters registered by mail or online, presenting ID is mandatory only under specific conditions.
Musk's post also included an image claiming that 114 countries require ID for voting, marked against the U.S., which he depicted with a red 'x.' However, notable exceptions exist including New Zealand and Australia, where ID is not required for voting.
This disparity in interpretation emphasizes the necessity for clarity in discussions about voter ID laws, especially from influential figures on social media.
