Sacramento, CA — Proponents of a pair of high-profile ballot measures are looking ahead to the November General Election.
The California Secretary of State’s Office reports that a proposal to require California to verify proof of citizenship when registering, and provide identification at polling places, has qualified for the ballot. Backed by several Republicans, including local Assemblyman David Tangipa, it calls for California to join 36 other states that currently have similar voting requirements. California is one of 14 states, as well as the District of Columbia, that do not require voters to show identification when registering to vote or casting a ballot. A provision for vote-by-mail is to provide the last four digits of a government ID, such as a Social Security Number. It comes at a time when Congressional Republicans in Washington, DC are also proposing heightened election security measures. Many Democrats have come out in opposition, arguing that it will make it more difficult to vote, including those with disabilities and people without a driver’s license.
In addition, proponents of a one-time tax on billionaires say that they have collected enough signatures to place the measure on the ballot. It is backed by Service Employees International Union Healthcare West and calls for a 5% tax on those making over $1-billion to generate around $100-billion in revenue. It would be mostly used to offset federal funding cuts to healthcare. US Senator Bernie Sanders has campaigned in support of it in California, while it is opposed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and state Republican leaders. It would impact those who were living in the state, effective January 1, 2026. Proponents say they have the signatures required, and they will be submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office for final review.
