LoginIs it illegal in California to require identification to vote?
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Yes.
In September, California adopted a law that prohibits local governments from requiring voters to present identification to vote.
The law states that voter ID laws “have historically been used to disenfranchise” certain voters, including those of color or low-income.
The law says California ensures election integrity by requiring a driver’s license number or Social Security number at registration and verifying the voter’s signature with the voter’s registration form.
Voter ID supporters say requiring a photo ID helps prevent voter fraud and increases public confidence in elections.
California is among 14 states that don’t use voter ID. They verify voter identity in other ways, usually signature verification, according to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures.
Wisconsin has required photo ID since 2016. On April 1, voters approved a referendum adding that requirement to the state constitution.
Elon Musk alluded to the California law during remarks March 30 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Statenet.com: 2023 CA S 1174
- Cal Matters: New California voter ID ban puts conservative cities at odds with state
- Cal Matters: SB 77: Voting: signature verification: notice.
- National Conference of State Legislatures: Voter ID Laws
- Wisconsin Watch: Has Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford opposed Wisconsin’s voter ID law?
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin voters approve referendum question, voter ID law now part of state constitution
- Wisconsin Watch: Wisconsin’s voter ID ballot question: Here’s what you need to know
- Forbes: Breaking News: Elon Musk Takes Question After Question At Town Hall Event In Green Bay, Wisconsin
Is it illegal in California to require identification to vote? is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.
