Voter ID and proof of citizenship qualify for California ballot measure in November

Source: NBC News/AP

April 24, 2026, 9:28 PM EDT


LOS ANGELES — A proposal that would require California to verify proof of citizenship when a person registers to vote — and require voters to provide identification at polling places — will appear on the November ballot, state officials announced Friday. The announcement comes amid a national debate over election security and what type of requirements voters should face to show they are qualified to cast a ballot. In Congress, Republicans are pushing a strict proof-of-citizenship proposal for residents to vote, encouraged by President Donald Trump.

The California plan — also backed by Republicans — is being pitched as a common sense idea to strengthen confidence in voting in a vast state with more than 23 million people registered to cast a ballot. State officials said its backers submitted sufficient petition signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

“We already show ID for everyday activities like flying, opening a bank account and picking up prescription medications. Thirty-six other states and many countries around the world already use voter ID,” said state Sen. Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach. “Californians deserve secure, transparent elections,” added Strickland, a proponent of the proposal.

If approved in November in the heavily Democratic state, other provisions would require those who vote through popular mail-in ballots would have to give the last four digits of a government-issued ID, such as a Social Security number. California is among 14 states and the District of Columbia that do not require voters to show some form of identification at the polls or to register to vote.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/voter-id-proof-citizenship-qualify-california-ballot-measures-november-rcna342008