California Blocks Shasta County Voter ID Law: Measure B Enforcement Halted

• Shasta County voters approved Measure B in June, which would have required photo ID at the polls.
• California officials intervened, stopping the enforcement of the measure due to concerns it would conflict with state election laws.
• Two Sacramento County judges also ruled against voter ID requirements at the polls.
• Attorney General Rob Bonta argued that Shasta County exceeded its constitutional authority by attempting to implement these changes through the ballot process.

California ensures that the portal of democracy remains wide open, and creating unnecessary barriers does not strengthen our democracy, it weakens it.

Shasta County voters approved Measure B in June, a ballot measure that would have required photo ID at the polls and largely eliminated vote-by-mail and early voting. However, California officials intervened, stopping the enforcement of the measure due to concerns it would conflict with state election laws. The decision came after two Sacramento County judges also ruled against voter ID requirements at the polls. Attorney General Rob Bonta argued that Shasta County's charter status allowed for some local laws to take precedence over state law, but not election laws. He sought a resolution by August 24, as Shasta County voters needed certainty before the November election about how to register and vote.

California prohibits photo ID requirements at the polls and guarantees access to vote-by-mail and early voting. The state's election laws are designed to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in elections without unnecessary barriers. Shasta County's Measure B would have disrupted this system, creating a separate voter registration system and mandating hand-counted ballots. Attorney General Rob Bonta argued that the county exceeded its constitutional authority by attempting to implement these changes through the ballot process. He pointed out that the county has no home-rule power and is preempted by state law.

The blocking of Measure B is a significant development in ongoing litigation regarding voter ID requirements at the polls. The decision provides certainty for Shasta County voters about how to register and vote in the November election. However, it also highlights the need for lawyers and compliance officers to stay informed about these developments and advise clients on their voting rights and obligations. As Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber noted, creating unnecessary barriers does not strengthen democracy, but rather weakens it.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the ongoing litigation regarding voter ID requirements at the polls, which could impact future elections in California. They may need to advise clients on the implications of these developments for their voting rights and obligations.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News Service