California’s voter ID referendum gives Republicans a genuine shot at reform

California’s upcoming voter ID referendum gives Republicans their first statewide election opportunity in years. At least it does if Republicans can keep opponents from twisting this issue as Democrats just did in Virginia’s recent redistricting election.

Recently a voter ID measure qualified for California’s November ballot after receiving over 962,000 signatures supporting its inclusion in less than two months. It would require voters to show identification, or mail-in ballots to include an identification number, and require county registrars to verify voters’ citizenship status.

A similar ID requirement already applies to airline travel, hotel stays, car rentals, banking and firearm purchases. Democrats haven’t labeled these requirements abridgments of civil rights.

Requiring IDs for voters is also extremely popular nationally: Gallup found 84 percent of Americans support requiring photo IDs and 83 percent supported proof of citizenship for first-time registration. Even in Democrat-dominant California, 71 percent support requiring proof of citizenship for first-time registration and 54 percent support requiring ID each time an individual votes. 

A Republican policy priority, the measure could also pay political dividends. Polling has shown Republicans doing consistently well in California’s open gubernatorial primary — even before scandal forced the leading Democrat, former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D), out of the race. 

California Democrats face some mounting headwinds. In addition to Swalwell’s abrupt withdrawal, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) job approval polling is slightly negative at 44 to 45 percent — his lowest level since 2024.

California’s taxes are already among America’s highest.........

© The Hill