By Sameea Kamal

WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO

SB 1174 by Sen. Dave Min, a Democrat from Irvine, would ban local governments from requiring voters to present identification to vote. The bill attempts to push back against a charter provision passed by voters in Huntington Beach that supporters said would prevent voter fraud. Min said “an overwhelming body of evidence proves our elections are safe, secure, and above board.” 

WHO SUPPORTS IT

Groups that advocate for voter access such as the League of Women Voters of California, as well as California Environmental Voters and Disability Rights California. Common Cause California said that voter identification is already required when someone registers to vote, and that there are numerous protections in place to prevent voter fraud. The group — and other supporters — say the city’s law would disproportionately impact Latino, Black, young and low-income voters, and would create confusion since it would only apply to the local elections, which might be held at the same time as state and federal elections.

WHO IS OPPOSED

Min’s bill is in response to the city of Huntington Beach’s move to place a measure on the ballot allowing the city to verify voter eligibility through IDs, which 53% of voters passed in March — one of several local initiatives aimed at pushing back against California’s progressive politics. 

An attorney for Huntington Beach said the city’s law, which takes effect in 2026, is intended to increase participation in elections, and that the ballot measure represented “the will of the people.” In addition to the city, the bill is also opposed by the conservative-aligned group Election Integrity Project California, and the Greater Bakersfield Republican Assembly. Republicans from other parts of the state, including Riverside-area Assemblymember Bill Essayli, have also opposed the bill

WHY IT MATTERS

This bill is the latest front in an ongoing battle over allegations of voter fraud, which have been rampant since the 2016 election. In April, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber filed a lawsuit against the city of Huntington Beach, alleging that the voter ID requirement is in conflict with state law. The lawsuit is pending.

GOVERNOR’S CALL ✅

Newsom announced Sept. 29 he signed the bill.