California Voter Guide Includes Language on Proposition 39

<p>A California ballot measure on voter identification provides voters with guidance that has drawn attention online. Proposition 39 is a citizen-led effort organized by a group called Californians for Voter ID, which submitted 1.3 million signatures in favor of the ballot initiative in March, exceeding the required nearly 875,000 signatures for it to be adopted as a ballot measure.</p><p>Californians are scheduled to vote on the voter ID initiative in November. If approved, it would require a government-issued identification card or number to vote in person or by mail and mandate election officials to verify U.S. citizenship.</p><p>The language explaining the proposition from those who oppose the measure in the California voters guide has been noted for its political tone. The arguments section opposing the initiative states, "No on Prop. 39. This would advance Trump’s voter suppression agenda by adding costly, unnecessary barriers that could block eligible California voters, expose personal information to identity theft, and waste hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars." It concludes with, "Don’t let MAGA billionaires decide which voters count. Vote No."</p><p>Opponents of the measure include the ACLU California Action, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters of California.</p><p>The summary section of the ballot measure in the guide outlines the expected financial impact should the measure take effect, indicating costs of between tens of millions and low hundreds of millions of dollars each year to implement new voting requirements.</p><p>A section titled "What Your Vote Means" describes the implications of voting "yes" or "no" on the initiative. A "YES" vote means voters would be required to present additional identifying information to elections officials each time they vote, while a "NO" vote means a voter’s identity would continue to be established with the voter’s signature.</p><p>Groups advocating in favor of the measure include the Transparency Foundation, Latino American Political Association, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Their argument section states, "Yes on Prop. 39 gives California a BIPARTISAN solution for VOTER ID, supported by a solid majority of Democratic, Independent and Republican voters. Increases trust and confidence in our elections."</p><p>A Pew Research study released in 2025 shows that 83% of Americans support voter ID.</p><p>Early voting is already underway in California, as Election Day on Nov. 3 approaches. If Proposition 39 is approved, it would require voters to present a government-issued ID when voting in person, while mail-in voters would need to provide the last four digits of a government-issued ID number that matches the one designated during voter registration. It would also require election officials to use government data to verify U.S. citizenship and publish annual reports showing the percentage of registrations verified for citizenship in each county. The California State Auditor would be required to conduct regular audits of compliance with the new voter ID and citizenship requirements.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and California Governor Gavin Newsom's office but did not receive a response by the time of publication.</p>