Voters in California vote down ID requirement for ballots
Approximately 60% of voters rejected Proposition 39, which sought to mandate proof of citizenship and additional ID for mail-in votes.
By Connor Murphy ·
California voters rejected a proposal on Tuesday that would have tightened identification rules for casting ballots. Data from Decision Desk HQ indicates that nearly 60 percent of those who voted said no to the measure, while 41 percent supported it.
The defeated proposal, known as Proposition 39, required registered voters to prove they are United States citizens. It also mandated that anyone voting by mail include the last four digits of a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license number, on the ballot. The measure further prohibited in-person voting without an ID.
Conservative groups, including Reform California, championed the initiative. They argued the changes would boost public confidence and guarantee that every vote is valid. The California Republican Party cited everyday comparisons, noting that people use ID to fly, purchase alcohol, and enter secure buildings.
Opponents focused on privacy and administrative burdens. The American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California warned that placing ID digits on mail ballots exposes voters to identity theft. The organization noted that these records sit for almost two years and pass through many hands during the counting process.
The Sacramento Bee, which opposed the measure, called it bad policy. The newspaper's editorial board stated that California does not face a voter fraud crisis but rather a trust crisis. They attributed this lack of trust to national politicians who lost elections and promoted conspiracy theories.
This ballot measure follows a legislative attempt last year to pass similar laws. State Assembly member Carl DeMaio co-authored a bill in 2025 that would have implemented similar ID requirements. That bill failed to pass the Committee on Elections in April.
California currently requires eligible adults to provide an identification card and their Social Security number when they register to vote. The rejection of Proposition 39 leaves these existing registration requirements in place without the added layer of ID verification at the time of voting.
