The Question

Should eligible voters be required to provide government-issued identification to vote either in person or by mail, and should the state be required to maintain voter lists and verify the citizenship status of registered voters?

The Situation

People sign a statement that they are citizens and live in California when they register to vote. They do not have to show a drivers license or birth certificate to register. If they register by mail or online, they may need to show ID the first time they vote in a federal election. California verifies voter information and maintains a list of all registered voters in the state. 

The Proposal

Prop 39 would amend the California constitution to require voters to show government-issued identification to vote in person or to write the last four digits of a government-supplied ID number on the envelope of their ballot if voting by mail. Voters would be able to get a free state voter ID card if needed. It would also require the state to maintain voter-registration data and to verify voters’ citizenship status. 

Fiscal Effects

Costs in the tens of millions of dollars or possibly hundreds of millions of dollars to fulfill the requirements of the measure. 

Supporters Say

• Prop 39 keeps voting accessible and increases participation and trust in our elections by providing voters a free government-issued ID that will allow them to vote more quickly and efficiently. It has bipartisan support and ensures that voter rolls will continue to be accurately maintained. 

Opponents Say

• Prop 39 wastes millions of dollars that Californians could use for other purposes. It puts voter identity at risk by requiring personal information on ballot envelopes and increases the chance that a ballot will be disqualified. It will keep citizens from voting and will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.