Proposition 39
Require identification for voting
This initiative would require voters to show government-issued identification at the polls and order election officials to verify that all registered voters are U.S. citizens. Voters who cast a mail-in ballot would need to give the last four digits of a government ID, such as a driver’s license number. California currently requires residents to provide an identification card and Social Security number to register to vote, but does not request it at polling places.
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Summary
Support
Supporters argue that ID requirements at voting sites will strengthen voters’ trust in California’s election process, and that most states require voters to show some form of identification to vote.
Oppose
Opponents say requiring ID will make it harder for eligible voters who don’t have a driver’s license or other supporting documents to vote. They say this will disproportionately affect those with disabilities, who are low-income or have recently moved.
People and organizations
Support
- California Republican Party
- Reform California
- Uline CEO Richard Uihlein
Commentary
Campaign finance
Proposition committees raise money to support or oppose propositions. Outside groups can also raise and spend money independently to influence outcomes.
- Proposition committees
- Outside spending
- Difference to other side
Support
Oppose
Proposition committees
These committees are primarily formed to campaign for or against a proposition. They must identify donors who give $100 or more. There are no limits on how much donors can give. Below, we exclude donors whose contributions total less than $100.
Support
Oppose
Outside spending
Separate from proposition committees, outside groups can pay for ads, mailers and other efforts to influence voters. They can’t coordinate that spending with proposition committees. There is no limit on how much they can spend.
Support
Oppose
Ballot text
PROHIBITS CITIZENS FROM VOTING UNLESS THEY PRESENT GOVERNMENT ISSUED IDENTIFICATION. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Invalidates mail ballots that do not have last four digits of designated government-issued identification number written on envelope. Prohibits in-person voting without presenting government-issued identification. Fiscal Impact: Costs of between tens of millions of dollars and low hundreds of millions of dollars each year to implement new voting requirements.
Source: California Secretary of State
