California Plans Voter ID Initiative for 2026 Ballot

A coalition named Californians for Voter ID, led by Assemblymen Carl DeMaio and Bill Essayli, is advocating for a ballot initiative to require voter identification in California elections. They cite a recent poll showing 68% of California voters support the measure, including majorities of Democrats and independents. DeMaio argues that implementing voter ID is essential to restoring public trust in the electoral process, while state Democrats, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, have opposed such measures, claiming they may disenfranchise voters. The initiative aims to collect one million signatures to appear on the 2026 ballot. Critics, including California's Secretary of State Shirley Weber, assert that identification requirements are already in place for first-time voters. The debate highlights a significant divide within the Democratic Party, as many voters support voter ID despite party leadership's opposition.