Billionaire investor Khosla Backs Musk on Call for Universal Digital ID and Voter Identification Laws

Vinod Khosla has backed Elon Musk’s call for a universal U.S. digital ID and stricter voter ID laws, citing India’s Aadhaar as a successful model that boosts convenience and reduces fraud. Musk renewed his push amid concerns over election integrity before the 2026 midterms, as public opinion polls show strong support for voter ID requirements.

Billionaire investor and Silicon Valley veteran Vinod Khosla has voiced support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s push for a nationwide digital identification system in the United States, along with stricter voter ID requirements. Drawing parallels to India’s Aadhaar program, Khosla argued that a unified digital ID could enhance convenience while significantly reducing fraud.

In comments responding to Musk’s online post advocating “PASS VOTER ID,” Khosla said the U.S. already relies on a patchwork of identification methods, such as passports and driver’s licenses, but lacks a single, universally accepted digital option. He suggested that a centralized digital ID could streamline authentication across platforms, potentially replacing the need for multiple logins tied to private companies like social media or tech giants, while incorporating strong privacy protections.

Khosla pointed to Aadhaar as a successful model, noting that it has authenticated billions of users in India and helped curb fraudulent activity. Although Aadhaar is officially voluntary, he observed that opting out often creates practical difficulties, which has led to widespread adoption. He added that a similar opt-in system could work in the U.S., where most people would likely choose to participate due to the convenience it offers.

Musk’s renewed call for voter ID laws follows criticism over what he sees as a lack of urgency in addressing election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. His comments were sparked by a post from Matt Van Swol, a former U.S. Department of Energy nuclear scientist and ex-Apple photographer, who questioned why voter ID legislation has not advanced despite ongoing allegations of financial and electoral fraud. Van Swol expressed frustration that, in his view, Democrats have ignored these issues while Republicans have failed to act before the upcoming midterms.

Adding to the political backdrop, Kalshi, a U.S.-based online prediction market, has projected a 78 percent likelihood that Democrats will regain control of the House of Representatives in the November 2026 midterm elections. This forecast follows strong Democratic performances in local elections during a so-called “blue sweep” in November 2025.

Musk has consistently advocated for voter identification requirements in the past. Last year, he cited public opinion data to support his stance, sharing a Gallup poll indicating that a large majority of Americans favor requiring photo identification to vote, with only a small minority opposed. For Musk, such measures reflect what he describes as the clear will of the electorate and a necessary step to reinforce trust in democratic processes.