California Attorney General Rob Bonta has responded to a recent ruling by the Orange County Superior Court concerning Huntington Beach's voter identification law, Measure A. This law, which seeks to impose voter ID requirements for municipal elections starting in 2026, was challenged by state officials as unlawful.
Bonta emphasized that current laws and Senate Bill 1174 prevent local governments, including charter cities like Huntington Beach, from enforcing voter ID requirements that could disenfranchise voters. "Under both existing law and Senate Bill 1174, all local governments — including charter cities like Huntington Beach — are prohibited from disenfranchising voters at the polls by implementing voter ID requirements," said Bonta. He added, "Let me be clear: that has not changed. We disagree with the court’s decision that it is too early to bring our lawsuit, and remain confident in the strength of our case."
The lawsuit against Measure A was filed on April 15, 2024, by Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. The legal action argues that Measure A conflicts with state law and is preempted by it. According to the California Constitution, while charter cities can manage their municipal affairs, they cannot enact laws conflicting with those addressing statewide concerns such as election integrity and voting rights.
Senate Bill 1174, authored by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine), strengthens existing bans on local voter ID laws.
The court's decision permits the Attorney General and Secretary of State to file an amended petition within 20 days.