FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Republican leaders gathered in Fresno on Tuesday to build support for Proposition 39, a November ballot measure that would require California voters to show government-issued ID to vote.
The measure, spearheaded by Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, would require in-person voters to present government-issued identification.
Voters who vote by mail would have to provide a government-issued identification number when registering and write the last four digits on their ballot envelope.
At the Fresno event, DeMaio argued the proposal would help restore public confidence in elections.
Supporters say requiring ID would help verify voters’ identities and eligibility. Kyle Kirkland, a candidate for California’s 21st Congressional District, said voters should feel confident their ballots matter.
“We can talk about voter integrity, and we can talk about showing an ID,” Kirkland said. “But I think the big thing is for us, as voters, we all need to come away after we vote and feel like, okay, my vote mattered.”
Opponents argue the additional requirements could create barriers for eligible voters who lack the required ID or have difficulty obtaining it. They also warn the measure could lead to valid mail-in ballots getting rejected.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates Proposition 39 would cost state and local governments between tens of millions and low hundreds of millions of dollars annually to implement, depending on decisions made by state and local officials.
California voters will decide whether to approve Proposition 39 on Nov. 3.