California Republicans pushing to get voter ID initiative onto 2026 ballot

"The California Voter ID Initiative, an effort headed by Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, and state Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, has been busy recruiting volunteers and raising money in hopes of getting a measure placed on the 2026 ballot. If the initiative is successful, voters in California would have to show a government-issued ID to vote in person, or provide a verified ID number, like the last four digits of one's Social Security or driver's license number, when voting by mail."

""Voters are losing trust and confidence in our election system," DeMaio said in an interview, adding that both Democrats and Republicans have raised claims of alleged election rigging in recent times. "One of the most important reforms that we can make is voter ID, not only because it works but also because voters have said that that would make them feel much more comfortable in the process, to restore their trust," he said."

Republicans in California are advancing a Voter ID initiative led by Assemblymember Carl DeMaio and state Sen. Tony Strickland, aiming to place the measure on the 2026 ballot. The initiative would require a government-issued ID for in-person voting or a verified ID number, such as the last four digits of a Social Security or driver's license number, for mail ballots. The initiative would also require updates to voter rolls to ensure accuracy and that all registered voters are U.S. citizens. Supporters are recruiting volunteers, raising money, and mobilizing at GOP events to gather signatures. Proponents argue voter ID would restore public trust in elections.

Read at The Mercury News