The state of California has filed a lawsuit against the city of Huntington Beach over a new law that would require voters to provide identification to cast their ballots starting in 2026. The State Attorney General, Rob Bonta, argues that this measure conflicts with state law and could disproportionately impact marginalized groups such as poor, non-white, young, elderly, and disabled voters. Bonta believes that the voter ID policy proposed by Huntington Beach goes against the principles of democracy and is seeking to block it from taking effect.
In response to the lawsuit, Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates has stated that the city has the authority to implement election-related measures under the state’s constitution and will defend the decision made by local voters. The voter ID measure was approved by the residents of Huntington Beach earlier this year, with 53% of voters supporting it. This measure would not only require voter identification but also increase in-person voting sites and monitor ballot drop boxes in local elections.
The City Council of Huntington Beach, known as “Surf City USA,” has been making controversial decisions on various topics, leading up to the passing of the voter ID measure. These decisions, initiated by a politically conservative council majority, have caused heated debates among residents on issues such as flag flying and removing books from the public library’s children’s section. Despite concerns raised by state officials about potential voter suppression, the city is determined to proceed with the implementation of the voter ID policy.
The specifics of how the voter ID measure will be carried out have not been outlined yet. In California, voters have the option to cast their ballots in person, through drop boxes, or by mail. The Orange County Registrar of Voters, responsible for overseeing elections in the county, has not commented on the lawsuit. Registrar Bob Page mentioned that Huntington Beach has not reached out to his office regarding their plans moving forward. The city may choose to conduct its own local elections or consolidate them with statewide general elections with the assistance of the county registrar.
Huntington Beach has a history of conflicts with state officials over the extent of its authority under its city charter. Issues such as immigration and housing have previously sparked disagreements between the city and the state government. Despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans in Orange County, the GOP holds a dominant position in Huntington Beach, with a larger number of registered Republican voters compared to Democrats. This political landscape adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute between the city and the state regarding the voter ID policy.
The outcome of the lawsuit filed by the state of California against Huntington Beach remains uncertain. As legal proceedings unfold, the debate over the implementation of the voter ID policy in the city will likely continue to be a point of contention. Advocates for the measure argue that it will enhance the integrity of local elections, while critics raise concerns about potential disenfranchisement of certain voter groups. The ultimate decision on the fate of the voter ID policy in Huntington Beach will have implications for future elections and voting rights in the city.
