California Voter ID Measure Proposition 39 Wins Court Rulings

California courts upheld two key aspects of Proposition 39, the voter‑identification initiative slated for the November ballot. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Shelleyanne Chang ruled that statements claiming the measure would make voting easier, improve security, and save taxpayers were false or misleading, prompting supporters to revise the language. Judge Jennifer Rockwell affirmed Attorney General Rob Bonta’s official ballot title, which states the measure “prohibits citizens from voting unless they present government‑issued identification.”

Proposition 39 would require in‑person voters to show a government‑issued ID and mail voters to provide the last four digits of such an ID on their ballot envelope. The state must issue free ID cards to anyone who needs them and verify voters’ citizenship, a step not required under current law. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the program could cost tens to low hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Supporters, including former Secretary of State Bill Jones, argue the measure enhances election integrity without disenfranchising voters, while opponents warn it adds unnecessary barriers.