Huntington Beach's voter ID law suffers loss as appeals court strikes it down

Huntington Beach hit another road block in its efforts to demand that voters show ID at the polls after a California appeals court on Monday struck it down.

First, the backstory

Surf City voters passed a measure last year giving the city the power to ask voters for ID at the polls. It has been embroiled in legal challenges ever since. The state says the measure violates state law by asking voter to show ID when they cast a ballot, in addition to when they register to vote. Huntington Beach has argued that it is a charter city, and, as a result, has the power to hold elections as the city sees fit. The Fourth District Court of Appeal, Third Division, was the latest court to consider the legal fight, hearing arguments last month.

So, what did the ruling say?

On Monday, the court sided with the state, and ordered the city to “cease its implementation or enforcement” of voter ID measures. You can read the court action here.

What is the city’s response?

“The city is reviewing the appellate court’s decision and evaluating next steps,” said Corbin Carson, the city’s public affairs manager.

What does the state say?

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement applauding the ruling, adding: “California’s elections are already fair, safe, and secure. No city in our state, charter and non-charter alike, can make it more difficult for voters to cast their ballots.”

Why it matters

Voter ID has triggered national debate. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on election integrity in order to strengthen “voter citizenship verification.” Proponents say showing ID at the polls is a simple, common sense measure that upholds the integrity of elections and prevents voter fraud. Critics say concerns about voter fraud are overblown, and that voter ID requirements disproportionately impact elderly, low-income and non-white voters.