Golden State Today

Los Angeles, Calif. - Today, California’s Chief Elections Officer Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., and Attorney General Rob Bonta have taken legal action by filing a lawsuit in Orange County to challenge Huntington Beach’s voter identification (ID) law.

The lawsuit comes in response to Huntington Beach's Charter Amendment, which mandates voter identification at the polls, a move that is in violation of California law. Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Ph.D., emphasized the conflict with state law, stating, "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."

Secretary Weber also pointed out the historical implications of voter ID requirements, noting, "Voter ID requirements have historically been used to turn eligible voters away from exercising their right to vote."

Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed concerns about the voter ID law, emphasizing the importance of the right to vote in a democracy. He stated, “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.”

Bonta further highlighted the existing safeguards in state election law to prevent fraud and ensure voter participation, saying, "State election law already contains robust voter ID requirements with strong protections to prevent voter fraud, while ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without hardship."

In addressing the potential impact of the voter ID law on certain groups, Bonta added, “Imposing unnecessary obstacles to voter participation disproportionately burdens low-income voters, voters of color, young or elderly voters, and people with disabilities." He emphasized the readiness of the California Department of Justice to protect voting rights, stating, "We’re asking the court to block Huntington Beach’s unlawful step toward suppressing or disenfranchising voters. The California Department of Justice stands ready to defend the voting rights that make our democracy strong."