Senator Min’s Voter ID Ban Sails Through Committee, Ready For the Senate Floor

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Senate Bill (SB) 1174 authored by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) passed out of the Senate Local Government Committee on a 4-2 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for a vote by the full Senate. SB 1174 prohibits local governments from imposing their own voter identification (ID) requirements in local elections. The legislation reinforces the State of California’s exclusive jurisdiction over voter verification requirements, making any locally imposed voter ID measures a clear violation of state law.

“Despite zero evidence of voter fraud, cities like Huntington Beach have tried to put forward their own local voter ID requirements without any proof of legitimate election interference. SB 1174 makes clear that the State of California has sole authority over state and local election requirements, and finally puts to rest the idea that cities can meddle with State voter protections. These scare tactics are not only unlawful, but seek to sow distrust in American democracy.”  

During the March primary Election, the City of Huntington Beach passed a charter amendment that would implement voter ID requirements in City elections starting in 2026. The passage of Measure A came after repeated warnings of legal action from the California Secretary of State and California Attorney General in the months prior to the election. If signed into law by the Governor, SB 1174 would nullify Measure A before it is enacted.  

California is one of 15 states that does not have voter ID laws. Instead, election officials conduct a series of authentications to confirm voter legitimacy, including ballot tracking, mandatory recounts, and signature verification checks.

Election experts at ACLU California have testified that no documented reports of widespread or systemic fraud has been found in U.S. elections. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer states that he has never once found enough evidence to prosecute anyone for voter fraud during his tenure.

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