In an unexpected twist that has left both tech enthusiasts and political analysts scratching their heads, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his innovative ventures and futuristic visions, has made a bold proclamation: it’s time to get rid of all electronic voting machines. Yes, the man who wants to colonize Mars, implant chips in our brains, and turn every car on the road into a self-driving vehicle, is now suggesting that we revert to the good old days of paper ballots.

During a recent Twitter Spaces conversation that quickly went viral, Musk, in his usual candid manner, said, “Electronic voting machines? No thanks. Let’s get rid of them all. It’s time to go back to basics. Paper, folks. Paper is where it’s at.”

The irony of Musk, a tech mogul whose companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink are pushing the boundaries of what technology can do, now advocating for a return to paper ballots was not lost on anyone. After all, this is the same man who dreams of sending humans to Mars using rockets built by a company that relies heavily on advanced technology. But when it comes to voting, apparently, the future isn’t so bright.

“Look, I’m all for technology,” Musk continued, as he floated weightlessly in a zero-gravity chamber aboard a SpaceX flight. “But voting is serious business. You don’t want to mess with democracy. And honestly, who trusts a computer more than a good old-fashioned piece of paper? At least with paper, you know where it’s been.

It’s worth noting that Musk has a habit of suggesting seemingly outlandish ideas with a straight face. Just last year, he proposed creating a giant dome over Earth to combat climate change. And who could forget the time he suggested using flamethrowers to solve California’s wildfire problem? But this time, his target is the integrity of electronic voting machines.

Musk’s sudden concern over electronic voting machines seems to stem from a deep-seated belief that technology, while great for building electric cars and launching rockets, might not be the best tool for something as crucial as voting. “I’ve built rockets that can land themselves,” Musk said, pausing for dramatic effect, “but I still don’t trust a machine to count my vote.”

As expected, Musk’s remarks have sparked a wave of reactions across the internet. Tech experts, political analysts, and everyday social media users alike are chiming in. Some are praising Musk for his bold stance, while others are scratching their heads, wondering if this is another one of his infamous Twitter pranks.

One tech blogger wrote, “Elon Musk wants to ditch electronic voting machines for paper ballots. I’m waiting for him to suggest we all use quills and ink next. Maybe he’ll invent a self-writing pen that works better than a machine.”

Meanwhile, conspiracy theorists are having a field day with Musk’s comments. Some have even begun speculating that Musk is part of a secret plot to undermine technology companies and take over the world one paper ballot at a time. “First, he’ll get rid of the machines,” one user on a fringe forum wrote. “Then, he’ll invent a super-advanced paper that only his company can produce. He’ll control democracy, one ballot at a time!”

Unsurprisingly, Musk’s comments have also caught the attention of politicians. Several lawmakers have already weighed in on the matter, with responses ranging from amused disbelief to cautious support.

“Look, Elon’s a smart guy,” said Senator Chuckles McLaughlin, a frequent guest on late-night comedy shows. “But I’m not sure we need to go back to paper ballots. What’s next? Replacing the internet with telegrams?”

On the other side of the aisle, Representative Sue Stedfast offered a more measured take. “I think Elon raises some valid concerns about election security. We should always be vigilant and open to discussion. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Or in this case, the voting machines with the ballots.”

As if to punctuate his argument, Musk later took to Twitter to post a cryptic message that left his followers both intrigued and confused: “Paper beats rock, but does it beat the machine? ”

The tweet, which quickly garnered thousands of retweets and likes, only added to the speculation. Some believe Musk was hinting at a new paper-based technology venture, while others joked that he was challenging electronic voting machines to a game of rock-paper-scissors.

Musk’s critics are quick to point out that paper ballots are not without their own flaws. “Has Elon forgotten about the infamous hanging chads of the 2000 election?” one commentator asked. “Or does he think we’ll all just neatly fill in our ballots like obedient robots?”

Musk, however, remains undeterred. In fact, he’s already brainstorming ways to improve the paper ballot system. “What if we used SpaceX rockets to deliver paper ballots to polling stations?” Musk suggested during the Twitter Spaces chat. “Imagine the speed and efficiency! Voting on Mars would be a breeze!”

So, what does the future hold for electronic voting machines? If Musk has his way, they could soon become relics of the past, gathering dust in some forgotten warehouse. But whether or not his idea gains traction remains to be seen.

For now, the debate rages on. Will we all be reaching for pens and paper come the next election? Or will Musk’s latest idea join the ranks of his more outlandish proposals, destined to be remembered as just another quirky chapter in the life of one of the world’s most fascinating figures?

Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: when Elon Musk speaks, the world listens—even if it’s just to see what he’ll say next.

And as for the future of voting? Well, as Musk himself might put it, “The machine has spoken—but the paper is still mightier.”