Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. have taken legal action against the city of Huntington Beach over its voter identification (voter ID) law, Measure A. Attorney General Bonta emphasized, "The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beach’s voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle." Secretary of State Weber added, "This voter ID measure conflicts with state law. Not only is it a solution in search of a problem, laws like these are harmful to California voters, especially low-income, the elderly, people of color, those with disabilities, and young voters."

The lawsuit was filed after the city of Huntington Beach proceeded with the voter ID law despite warnings from the Attorney General and Secretary of State that it violated state election law. The measure, which passed on March 5, 2024, was certified by the Orange County Registrar of Voters on March 22, 2024.

In the lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber allege that Measure A is preempted by state law and invalid. They argue that the voter ID law conflicts with California's existing legal framework for safeguarding the electoral process and protecting voters' rights. The lawsuit states that the voter ID law in Huntington Beach allows the city to require additional identification from voters, which goes against the state law and could disenfranchise voters.

The legal action seeks to block Huntington Beach's voter ID law and uphold the integrity of California's elections. Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber are determined to defend the voting rights that are crucial to maintaining a strong democracy.