Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber have filed an appeal against the Orange County Superior Court's decision regarding Huntington Beach's voter identification law, Measure A. The measure, which aims to impose voter ID requirements for municipal elections starting in 2026, was deemed "not ripe for adjudication" by the court on November 15, 2024. The court ruled that Measure A is "permissive and discretionary in character," thus not currently conflicting with state election laws.

Attorney General Bonta expressed disagreement with the court's ruling, stating, "The Orange County Superior Court got it wrong — plain and simple. Secretary of State Weber and I firmly believe not only that the time is right for us to bring our lawsuit, but also that Huntington Beach’s voter ID policy is unlawful." He emphasized their commitment to ensuring Californians are not disenfranchised at the polls.

Secretary of State Weber reiterated her role in upholding state election laws and encouraging voter participation. She stated, "As California’s chief elections officer, I am responsible for the administration and enforcement of the state’s election laws. Part of that role is ensuring that we encourage democracy through voter participation and stop attempts that burden democracy by preventing or discouraging eligible citizens from voting."

The state's lawsuit, filed on April 15, 2024, argues that Measure A conflicts with state law as it pertains to matters of statewide concern such as election integrity and protecting voting rights. The lawsuit claims California already has a comprehensive legal framework to ensure electoral process integrity.

A copy of the notice of appeal is available online.