Across the country, the debate over voter ID laws has become a flash point in broader fights about election security and voting access.
Supporters of voter ID laws say they are needed to prevent election fraud and ensure that only eligible voters cast a ballot. Critics argue that there is little evidence of voting by non-citizens and say the requirements would instead reduce voter participation in elections.
Under California law, the state does not require voters to show or provide identification when voting in person or by mail. The state requires ID when registering to vote, and residents must swear under penalty of perjury that they are eligible to vote and that they are US citizens.
weber Has opposed proposals that would require voters to show identification to vote. He and many Democratic leaders argue that voter ID laws could create barriers for eligible voters, especially those who do not have easy access to government-issued identification.
Weber believes that Voter ID efforts are meant to cast doubt on the integrity of the election system.
“When you really get down to it, voter ID is a smoke screen to try to create the idea that this is a corrupt system,” he said.
Weber instead supports policies aimed at increasing participation among eligible voters, including vote-by-mail and automatic registration.
On the contrary, wagner Wants the state to require voters to show ID when voting. They argue that the identification requirement would strengthen public confidence in election results and align California with practices used in many other states. He said this is patronizing to minorities when critics argue that it is difficult for them to gain recognition.
“You need an ID to drive,” he said. “You need an ID to fly on an airplane. You need an ID to buy alcohol. You need it to buy tobacco.”
Wagner is working with supporters of the Voter ID ballot measure to raise money and help collect signatures. That statewide ballot measure would require state or local election officials to verify that Californians registering to vote are U.S. citizens “using government data,” which could include information in federal Social Security Administration databases, jury subpoena information and other government records, according to supporters.
Wagner said, “I’m promising the people of California that if they pass voter ID, I will protect it. If I have to sue, I will sue.” “If I’m Secretary of State, I will enforce this and hold registrars accountable and hold my office and myself accountable for carrying out the will of the people.”
