Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement on Latest Development Regarding Huntington Beach’s Unlawful Voter ID Policy

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement in response to the Orange County Superior Court’s recent decision regarding Huntington Beach’s unlawful voter identification (voter ID) law, Measure A. Measure A amended the city’s charter to purportedly allow the city to impose voter ID requirements at the polls for all municipal elections starting in 2026.

“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 Attorney General Bonta. “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.”

Filed by Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. on April 15, 2024, the state’s lawsuit alleges that Measure A unlawfully conflicts with and is preempted by state law. Under the California Constitution, charter cities have the right to govern “municipal affairs,” but local law cannot conflict with state law governing a “statewide concern.” The state asserts that both the integrity of California’s elections and the protection of the constitutional right to vote are matters of statewide concern.

Authored by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) and recently enacted by the Legislature, Senate Bill 1174 reinforces existing prohibitions on local voter ID laws.  

A copy of the court’s decision can be found here. The decision allows the Attorney General and Secretary of State 20 days to file an amended petition.