California legislature passes bill banning voter ID laws

The California legislature passed a bill banning local governments from adopting voter identification laws for local elections.

“An overwhelming body of evidence proves that voter ID laws only subvert voter turnout and create barriers to law abiding voters,” wrote bill author State Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine.

California does not require identification to vote, but earlier this year, the City of Huntington Beach approved a voter ID requirement for municipal elections starting in 2026.

“To register to vote in California, voters are already required to provide their driver's license number, California identification number, or the last four digits of their social security number.” State Assemblymember Bill Essayli, R-Corona, introduced a failed amendment to the bill, SB 1174, that would have explicitly banned undocumented immigrants from voting.

This bill would override Huntington Beach’s policy.

Huntington Beach argues that the fact legislators introduced SB 1174 suggests that was, in fact, permissible for its voters to approve such an ordinance.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued Huntington Beach for its ordinance, claiming it violates state and federal law because most elections involve voting for municipal, state, and federal office at the same time.

https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_cfdc8586-658c-11ef-96c6-03a19f4f4791.html