TL/DR –
Elon Musk drew attention to Arizona’s rule that no proof of citizenship is required for federal elections, a statement that was deemed misleading as states do not have the right to set such rules for federal elections. Former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, now running for U.S. Senate, took Musk’s comment as support for her claims that illegal voters were registered due to open border policies. Lake’s comments were criticized for promoting the “Great Replacement Theory”, a conspiracy theory claiming that elites are deliberately replacing the native-born population with immigrants, which is increasingly adopted by right-wing politicians.
Elon Musk Challenges Arizona Election Rules, Sparks Controversy
Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, formerly Twitter, sparked a debate about Arizona election rules. Musk argued that Arizona doesn’t require proof of citizenship for federal elections. This claim was refuted by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who pointed out that Arizona is the only state requiring proof of citizenship for state-level elections.
Kari Lake Echoes Musk’s Claims
Former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, now running for U.S. Senate, backed Musk’s claims. Lake argued that her plans to shut down human smuggling and open borders policies were thwarted due to an agenda to register illegal voters. However, she offered no evidence to support her claim of being the rightful winner of Arizona’s 2022 governor’s race.
Despite losing her election appeal, Lake continues to insist that human smuggling is used to fill voter rolls with new Democrat voters.
Kari Lake and the Great Replacement Theory
Lake often promotes conspiracy theories related to elections and immigration. Recently, she delved into the controversial Great Replacement Theory, which claims that elites are replacing the native-born population with immigrants. This theory has become a major feature of European politics and is gaining traction among Republicans in the U.S.
Backed by former President Donald Trump, Lake is anticipated to win Arizona’s Republican Senate primary and possibly face Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., in the general election.
No Evidence of Systematic Conspiracy
Garrett Ventry, a spokesperson for Lake’s campaign, denied accusations of racism in Lake’s tweet. He argued that Democrats had also promoted the idea of using immigration for electoral gain.
Despite the demographic changes due to immigration often benefiting the Democratic Party, no evidence supports claims of widespread fraud in U.S. elections. Conspiracy theories, according to Yale University sociology professor Philip Gorski, are “propaganda 101.” They embed lies within truths, leading people to believe in a systematic conspiracy.
Even as these conspiracy theories persist, President Joe Biden’s support among Hispanic voters appears to be declining, with many immigrant neighborhoods swinging to the right during the 2020 election.
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