California Voter ID Initiative
Plain-English Summary
Proposition 39 proposes new requirements for voter identification and U.S. citizenship verification in California. It would mandate that all voters present a government-issued ID when voting in person or provide the last four digits of an ID number for mail-in ballots. The measure also requires annual reporting on the percentage of verified citizens among registered voters.
What each outcome does
If Proposition 39 passes, all voters will be required to show a government-issued ID for in-person voting or provide an ID number for mail-in ballots. Election officials would also need to report annually on citizenship verification rates.
If Proposition 39 fails, California's current voter identification rules will remain in place. Voters would generally not be required to show ID when casting ballots in person, except in specific circumstances for first-time voters who registered by mail without providing ID information.
Who is funding each side
BallotPulse is non-partisan. We summarize each outcome in plain English and disclose the money on both sides. We do not tell you how to vote. Always read the official ballot text and decide for yourself.