California can sue Huntington Beach over its voter ID law, judge rules

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.

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.