California Voter ID Initiative Surpasses 300,000 Signatures Toward 2026 Ballot

The California Voter ID Initiative, led by Carl DeMaio and Reform California, has rapidly collected over 300,000 signatures towards the 874,641 needed to qualify for the November 2026 ballot, marking a record-breaking start. The initiative seeks to require government-issued photo ID for in-person voting, include the last four digits of the ID number for mail voting, verify citizenship of registered voters, clean voter rolls, and provide free voter ID cards to those in need. Polling data shows strong public support, with 68% favoring voter ID requirements and 73% supporting citizenship verification, though the measure faces opposition from many Democratic officials. The campaign has mobilized over 14,000 volunteers statewide and emphasizes restoring election integrity and public trust in California's elections. The initiative is part of a broader push by Republicans in the state to secure elections amid concerns of voter fraud, aligning with similar measures in 36 states nationwide. Supporters stress the importance of internal controls to improve election processes and ensure every legal vote is counted, while opponents have challenged related measures in courts.