los angeles — A proposal that would require California to verify proof of citizenship when a person registers to vote — and require voters to present ID at polling places — will appear on the November ballot, state officials announced Friday.
This announcement comes amid a National debate over election security And what kind of requirements voters must face to show they are eligible to cast a ballot. And in Congress, so are Republicans Pay strict suggestion to prove citizenship For citizens to vote, encouraged by President Donald Trump.
California’s plan — also backed by Republicans — is being floated as a logical idea to boost voting confidence in a vast state with more than 23 million people registered to cast ballots. State officials said her supporters submitted enough signatures on the petition to qualify for the November election.
“We already show ID for everyday activities like flying, opening a bank account, and getting prescription medications,” said Sen. Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach. “36 other states and many countries around the world already use voter ID.”
“Californians deserve safe and transparent elections,” added Strickland, a supporter of the proposal.
If approved in November in the heavily Democratic state, other provisions would require those who vote by mail-in popular ballots to provide 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 register to vote.
Research shows that while California has at times faced questions from critics about the legitimacy of its vote-counting process Voter fraud In the country it is rare. Voting was done by non-citizens, however Reviews of state issues I have shown that it is uncommon and usually a mistake rather than a deliberate effort to influence the election.
Most Californians vote by mail, and in striving for accuracy, thoroughness and counting of every vote, the nation’s most populous state has developed a reputation for counting processes that can drag on for weeks — and sometimes longer.
The effort to tighten restrictions on voter registration and mail-in balloting would come in a crucial election year, when Californians will choose their next governor and control of Congress is at stake.
Opponents say such requirements make it difficult for people to vote, especially the elderly, people with disabilities and those without driver’s licenses.
The president continues to claim that he was not Loser in the 2020 presidential election – And it has a long time He said falsely The elections were marred by widespread fraud. Trump’s claims have been denied before Dozens of judgesincluding many people he appointed. his Attorney General and Comprehensive review By The Associated Press found no evidence of widespread fraud that could have changed the results. numerous Reviews, Audits and He narrates in Battlefield countries Where Trump doubted his loss Democrat Joe Biden’s victory was confirmedincluding several overseen by Republican lawmakers.
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Associated Press writer Tran Nguyen contributed from Sacramento, California.