California Voter ID Petition Gains 1.3M Signatures for Ballot Measure

Proposed initiative aims to 'verify the identity of individuals casting ballots' in state elections.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A California voter ID ballot measure has gained over 1.3 million signatures and is set to be submitted in all 58 counties this week, triggering five statewide rallies to promote the initiative. The measure, led by Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, would amend the state constitution to require photo identification to cast a ballot and verify the citizenship status of registered voters.

Why it matters

California is one of only 14 U.S. states that does not currently require voter ID, and the proposed measure has become a divisive political issue, with supporters claiming it will 'restore trust' in elections and opponents arguing it will 'expose voters' sensitive personal information' and 'wrongly target' eligible voters.

The details

The 'California Voter ID Initiative' aims to 'verify the identity of individuals casting ballots in our elections,' according to DeMaio, who is leading the ballot measure through his organization Reform California. If approved by voters in November, the measure would amend the state constitution to require photo ID and citizenship verification for all California voters.

  • The petition has gained over 1.3 million signatures as of March 2, 2026.
  • The measure is set to be officially submitted in all 58 California counties this week.

The players

Carl DeMaio

A Republican California State Assemblymember who is leading the 'California Voter ID Initiative' ballot measure and signature drive through his organization Reform California.

Jenny Farrell

The executive director of the League of Women Voters of California, who opposes the voter ID measure, arguing it would 'expose voters' sensitive personal information' and 'wrongly target' eligible voters.

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What they’re saying

“The California Voter ID Initiative is a common-sense and bipartisan way to restore the trust and confidence all voters should have in our election system.”

— Carl DeMaio, Republican California State Assemblymember (The Californian Post)

“This voter ID measure is not about protecting voters; it is about importing the current federal administration's election lies and intimidation tactics into California.”

— Jenny Farrell, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of California (The Californian Post)

What’s next

The voter ID petition is set to be officially submitted in all 58 California counties this week, triggering five statewide rallies to promote the initiative. If approved by voters in November, the measure would amend the state constitution to require photo ID and citizenship verification for all California voters.

The takeaway

The proposed California voter ID measure has become a highly polarized political issue, with supporters claiming it will 'restore trust' in elections and opponents arguing it will disenfranchise eligible voters. The outcome of this ballot initiative could have significant implications for voting access and election integrity in the nation's most populous state.