What This Measure Is

This is a statewide California ballot initiative, not a city or county measure.

It would change election law to require voters to prove their identity and citizenship status when registering to vote and/or voting in California elections.

What the Initiative Does (Plain Language)

The measure would:

• Require individuals to show proof of identity when registering to vote

• Allow or require government-issued identification (ID) for voting

• Authorize elections officials to verify citizenship status

• Change how voter eligibility is confirmed in state and local elections

Real-life example:
Instead of only signing a form under penalty of perjury, a voter may need to show documents like a government ID or birth certificate to register or vote.

What Counts as Proof (Examples)

The initiative language references proof such as:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Birth certificate

• Other official documents verifying identity or citizenship

Exact rules would be set by state election officials if the measure passes.

How Elections Work Now (Before This Measure)

Currently in California:

• Voters do not need to show ID to vote in most cases

• Voters confirm eligibility by signing a statement under penalty of perjury

• First-time voters may be asked for ID only in limited situations

Why this matters:
This initiative represents a major shift in how California verifies voters.

What Would Change If It Passes

New Requirements

• More documentation required to register and/or vote

• Elections officials get more authority to verify eligibility

• New procedures for handling voters without required documents

Administrative Impact

• Counties would need new systems and training

• Elections may take longer to administer

• Voters may need extra steps before voting

Cost and Fiscal Impact

According to the Legislative Analyst’s estimate:

• State and local governments would incur new costs

• Costs come from:

  • Updating voter systems

  • Training staff

  • Verifying documents

• Total cost depends on how strict the rules are and how widely they apply

Why Supporters Say It’s Needed

Supporters argue the measure would:

• Increase confidence in election integrity

• Prevent illegal voting

• Standardize voter verification across the state

Concerns Raised by Opponents

Opponents argue it could:

• Make voting harder for:

  • Seniors

  • Low-income voters

  • People without easy access to documents

• Increase administrative costs

• Reduce voter participation

Where This Applies

• All California elections

• Includes:

  • State elections

  • Local elections

  • Ballot initiatives

• Applies statewide if approved by voters

How This Appears on the Ballot

• Listed as a statewide proposition

• Voted on by all California voters

• Title references voter identification requirements

Official Sources

• California Attorney General – Initiative Title & Summary
  https://oag.ca.gov/initiatives

• California Secretary of State – Ballot Measure Status
  https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures

Bottom Line

• Adds voter ID and proof requirements

• Changes how Californians register and vote

• Increases election administration costs

• Statewide measure requiring voter approval