California voters to decide on ID for voting in November election

California voters will face a new rule in November: showing ID to vote in person or giving a number for mail-in ballots. This is a big change for voting rules.
By Newsroom | Politics, California |

New Measure Demands Identification for In-Person and Mail-In Voting

California voters will confront a new set of rules governing how they cast ballots this November. A ballot initiative mandating identification for in-person voting and a specific identifier for mail-in ballots has officially qualified for the general election.

The measure requires voters to present government-issued identification for in-person voting. Those submitting mail-in ballots will need to provide the last four digits of a government-issued ID, such as a Social Security number, or a unique PIN. State officials confirmed the initiative's qualification on Friday, placing it before voters in a pivotal election year that includes races for governor and control of Congress.

In California, a Voter ID Proposal Is Set to Appear on the Ballot in November - 1

The initiative, championed by Carl DeMaio, a Republican assemblymember, and Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach, aims to "restore trust and confidence" in the election system, according to DeMaio. Proponents argue it is a "common-sense reform" and a "grassroots, broad-based, bipartisan movement," with claims of significant support from Democrats and independents among the collected signatures. Supporters also point to other states and countries as examples of places that use similar voter identification systems.

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However, critics, including groups like the League of Women Voters of California, the ACLU, and California Common Cause, decry the measure as a form of 'voter suppression.' Legal scholars and opponents contend that the initiative addresses a problem that does not exist, citing the rarity of voter fraud in California. Concerns are also raised about the potential for disproportionately impacting communities less likely to possess current government-issued identification, and the possibility of eligible voters being wrongly removed from voter rolls due to errors in government databases.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Measure:

  • Proof of Citizenship: Voters would need to prove their citizenship before casting a ballot.

  • In-Person Voting ID: Individuals voting in person would be required to present government-issued identification.

  • Mail-In Ballot Identification: Those voting by mail would need to provide the last four digits of a government-issued ID or a PIN.

  • Accurate Voter Rolls: Election officials would be mandated to verify the citizenship of registered voters and maintain accurate voter rolls.

The measure seeks to amend the California Constitution. Official certification of the ballot measure is slated for June, leading up to the general election on Tuesday, November 3. California is currently among 14 states and the District of Columbia that do not require voters to show identification at the polls or to register.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new voting rule will California voters decide on in November?
California voters will decide if they need to show government-issued identification for in-person voting or provide the last four digits of an ID number for mail-in ballots. The measure also requires proof of citizenship to vote.
Q: When will California voters decide on this new voting ID rule?
Voters will decide on this new rule during the general election on Tuesday, November 3. The measure will be officially certified in June.
Q: Who supports the new voter ID measure in California?
Supporters, including Republican assemblymember Carl DeMaio, say the measure will restore trust in elections and is a common-sense reform. They claim support from Democrats and independents.
Q: Who opposes the new voter ID measure in California and why?
Groups like the League of Women Voters and the ACLU oppose the measure, calling it voter suppression. They argue that voter fraud is rare and the rules could unfairly affect certain communities and lead to errors in voter registration.