Proposition 39 on the November ballot would implement voter ID requirements in California. Although 36 states already have voter ID laws, opponents are acting as if this measure is the end of democracy.
At a rally on Wednesday, high-profile Democrats characterized Prop. 39, a citizens’ initiative placed on the ballot through the signatures of more than 1.3 million registered voters, as a White House plot against California.
“Donald Trump and the MAGA agenda would like nothing better than to take California and our democracy backward,” raged U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.
Did democracy go backward in the 36 states that have voter ID laws already? Have any of these states descended into dictatorship, passed Jim Crow laws or revoked the right to vote from married women?
Doesn’t seem so.
In Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas and Mississippi, voters must present an photo ID, but if they don’t, they can vote provisionally and they have a period of time, three days or more, to present ID and have their vote counted. Georgia will provide a free voter ID card.
In New Hampshire, a photo ID is required, but identity can also be verified by a designated official.
North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin require a photo ID, but voters who don’t show ID can vote provisionally and present ID later.
Some states try to avoid the need for a second trip to present ID.
In Alabama, a photo ID is requested, but if the voter doesn’t have one, two poll workers can vouch for the voter. Failing that, the voter can vote provisionally and return by the Friday after election day to present ID.
In Florida, a photo ID is requested, but a voter who doesn’t show an ID can vote provisionally and officials will use signature matching to verify identity.
In Idaho, a photo ID is requested but voters who don’t present one can fill out and sign an affidavit of identity.
Kentucky requests a photo ID but will accept a signed affirmation plus an alternative ID document.
Louisiana and Michigan request a photo ID but allow voters without them to sign an affidavit and vote.
Missouri gives a provisional ballot to any voter without a photo ID and will use signature matching to verify it.
Montana requests a photo ID or, alternatively, two documents, only one of which needs a photo. Signature matching is used to verify provisional ballots.
Nebraska asks for a photo ID and allows voters without them to vote provisionally and return with ID by the following Friday. Provisional votes are also counted if the voter certifies a “reasonable impediment.”
Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and West Virginia request a photo ID, but will accept alternatives or affidavits. .
Some states will accept documents that show the voter’s name and address, such as a utility bill.
Arizona asks for a photo ID but will accept two non-photo documents with the voter’s name and address. Voters who don’t have any of that can vote provisionally and return in 3-5 days with the required identification.
Iowa prefers a photo ID, but a voter ID card or certain documents showing name and address are accepted. Voters without these will receive a provisional ballot and must return with ID by noon on the Monday following the election.
North Dakota requires an ID with name, address and date of birth. Wyoming prefers a photo ID but will accept a Medicare/Medicaid card. Both allow provisional ballots with a requirement for voters to return with their ID.
Alaska and Colorado accept utility bills and allow officials to verify eligibility if they know the voter.
Connecticut accepts a Social Security card or any preprinted ID showing name, address, signature or photo. Voters without ID can sign a written statement under penalty of perjury instead.
Delaware asks for proof of identity, no photo required. Voters without it can sign an affidavit.
Oklahoma will accept a county-issued voter registration card, Utah is satisfied with documents showing name and address, and Virginia accepts non-photo documents although first-time voters may be asked for more.
Washington state accepts documents or ID at the polls, but in-person voting is limited, largely replaced by mail ballots.
If California voters approve Proposition 39, voters who go to the polls will be asked to show a government-issued ID. If they vote by mail, they’ll write a four-digit number on the ballot return envelope that corresponds to a government-issued ID number in their voter registration record. A free voter ID card with a unique four-digit number will be available to anyone who requests one. Can’t remember your number? It will be available to voters on request by phone or electronically.
Provisional ballots will be available, as they are now. Proposition 39 directs the Legislature to “promptly enact laws to implement” the measure, so some details will be decided later.
Voter ID simply verifies that the person voting is the registered voter. Of the 36 states that have adopted it, none have repealed it.
California elections decide the fate of billions of dollars in new taxes along with determining who will be in office to spend the money.
As the fourth largest economy in the world, California should at least ask voters to identify themselves.
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