Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
California can sue Huntington Beach over its voter ID law, judge rules
A ballot reader at a voting center in Huntington Beach on Nov. 8, 2022.
(
Jill Replogle
/
LAist
)
California can sue Huntington Beach over the city’s new voter ID law, according to a Thursday ruling from an Orange County Superior Court judge. It’s a reversal of the judge’s previous decision dismissing the case.
Why did the judge change his ruling?
Judge Nico Dourbetas cited California’s new law prohibiting cities from enacting or enforcing voter ID requirements that go beyond state and federal rules. That law took effect Jan. 1 — after his previous decision.
The reversal also comes after an appeals court ruling suggesting Dourbetas reexamine the case.
What does the city say?
In a statement emailed to LAist, a spokesperson for the city wrote that California "continues to disregard the will of Huntington Beach voters relating to the adoption of voter ID" and said the city looks forward to litigating the issue.
-
Last shows are scheduled for Dec. 18 and Dec. 19. -
Visitors are welcomed each year to celebrate the saint, but this gathering comes after a dark year for immigrant communities. -
The city will get more acreage in the deal and have greater say over the type of housing that gets built around Irvine Spectrum.
Sponsored message
Why this case matters
Requiring voters to show ID at polls has long been a controversial topic across the country, and historically was used to disenfranchise Black voters. Voting rights advocates say groups including the elderly and people of color are less likely to have a government issued ID. Supporters of voter ID say it prevents election fraud.
What are Huntington Beach’s voting rules?
Huntington Beach voters approved a measure last year allowing the city to require people to show ID when casting a ballot. That contradicts state law — voters in California have to prove their identity when they register to vote, but not at polling places.
Aren’t California and Huntington Beach always clashing?
Yes. This is one of multiple lawsuits — including around housing and parental notification of a child's gender identity change — between the liberal state government and the conservative beach city.
What’s next?
The judge has scheduled a hearing in the voter ID case for April 3. Huntington Beach’s voter ID rule is set to go into effect in 2026, but the city has yet to specify whether and how it would implement it.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
