California to decide on citizenship-proof ID at polls in 2026

Californians will decide in November 2026 whether to require proof of citizenship and a government-issued ID to vote, with mail ballots needing the last four digits of an ID and registration verified each time a vote is cast. The GOP-backed measure, led by Carl DeMaio, has qualified for the ballot and drawn about $10 million in support; supporters say it fights fraud, while opponents including major unions warn it could suppress turnout among the poor and people of color. A UC Berkeley poll shows broad support for voter ID, but support drops to 37% when voters are told it could suppress eligible votes.