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NewsTimes of San DiegoAugust 25, 2026San Diego

California Proposition 39: Proposed Constitutional Amendment on Voter Identification

Proposition 39 would amend the California Constitution to require voters to provide government-issued identification to verify citizenship when voting in person or by mail. The measure is currently on the November ballot and has sparked significant debate regarding election security and voter access.

electionsvoter identificationcampaign financeCalifornia Constitutionvoting rights
Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

If passed, this measure would change the verification process for every California voter in every election, potentially costing taxpayers tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Key Facts

  • Proposition 39 would require voters to prove citizenship via government ID for every election.
  • Mail-in voters would be required to provide specific ID information, such as the last four digits of a driver's license.
  • The Legislative Analyst's Office estimates implementation costs ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • Proponents have raised $21 million, with $10.5 million coming from Richard Uihlein.
  • The average donation to the campaign is reported as $67.
  • Opponents, led by the ACLU, had $249,000 available as of late June.
  • A judge ruled that proponents cannot claim in the voter pamphlet that the measure makes voting 'easier' or 'reduces costs'.
  • The official ballot title describes the measure as prohibiting citizens from voting unless they present government-issued ID.
  • Current California law requires ID data (driver's license or Social Security number) at registration and signature verification for ballots.

Who's Mentioned

personRick Caruso“Los Angeles real estate developer and donor to the campaign.”personRob Bonta“California Attorney General who drafted the official ballot title.”organizationACLU“Leading the opposition campaign against Proposition 39.”personDonald Trump“President associated with the national debate on voter ID laws.”personRichard Uihlein“Major donor who contributed $10.5 million to the Proposition 39 campaign.”personCarl DeMaio“Republican Assemblymember from San Diego leading the Proposition 39 initiative.”personShelleyanne Chang“Judge who ruled against certain claims in the official voter pamphlet.”