The California State Assembly has passed a bill that would prohibit local governments from mandating voter identification in their elections, leaving the decision solely to the state. The bill, Senate Bill 1174, authored by Sen. Dave Min, passed the Assembly with a 57 to 16 vote and is now awaiting approval or veto from the governor.
The measure aims to prevent cities like Huntington Beach from implementing voter ID laws, even after voters in the city approved such a requirement for City Council elections. Sen. Min emphasized that there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud to justify the need for voter ID laws.
Min argued that having a uniform statewide standard for voter verification is crucial to avoid a patchwork of varying election rules across different cities. He stated that voter ID requirements create barriers for voters and do not effectively address fraud, as voters already verify their identity during registration.
If signed into law, SB 1174 would nullify Huntington Beach’s Measure A, which allows for voter ID requirements in city elections starting in 2026. City officials believe that the state is overstepping its authority by trying to block the implementation of voter ID laws in charter cities like Huntington Beach.
The bill’s supporters argue that voter ID laws suppress voter turnout and disenfranchise certain groups, while opponents believe that requiring ID at the polls enhances election integrity. The decision now rests with Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.
Travis Gillmore contributed to this report.
