California bans local governments from enforcing voter ID laws under new bill signed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that prevents local governments from requiring voters to present identification at the polls, a law aimed at curbing conservative efforts in cities like Huntington Beach.
The new law is a response to Huntington Beach’s controversial voter ID requirement, which was passed by the city’s residents in March. In April, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber sued Huntington Beach to invalidate the law, arguing the local measure violated state voting protections.
“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 said in a statement when the lawsuit was filed.
The new measure, which becomes effective on January 1, 2025, makes California one of 14 states that do not require voter ID for elections, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
www.newsweek.com/gavin-newsom-bans-california-requiring-id-vote-1961685