Proposition 39, also known as the California voter ID initiative, is an initiated constitutional amendment in the state of California that on November 3, 2026, will be on the ballot. The initiative would amend the state constitution to require the use of a government-issued ID for in-person voting, as well as the last four digits of a unique government-issued ID number when casting a mail-in ballot.
The amendment would also require the state of California to provide free voter ID cards that can be used to cast a ballot, and would enforce the maintenance of accurate voter registration lists by the secretary of state and election officials. If approved, the amendment would make California the 37th U.S. state to require voter ID during elections, and the 10th U.S. state to support a voter ID ballot measure.
Background Currently, the state constitution limits voting to U.S. citizens, though proof of citizenship is not required unless a voter has become a U.S. citizen less than 15 days before an election. During the voter registration process, individuals must provide a form of ID and attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury. California is one of only 14 U.S. states that does not require identification while voting on election day.
On April 24, 2026, state officials announced that the initiative had qualified for the November ballot after supporters submitted over 1.3 million signatures.
Three other states – Nevada, North Carolina, and Oklahoma – will also see voter ID measures on their November 2026 ballots.
Impact The initiative would amend the state constitution to enforce the use of government-issued ID while voting in-person, and the use of the last four digits of a government-issued ID number when voting by mail. Additionally, it would mandate the maintenance of accurate voter registration lists by the secretary of state and county election officials, and require the state of California to provide free ID cards upon request to voters casting a ballot.
The voter ID initiative would also authorize the California legislature to enact laws that would force compliance with the amendment, and permit citizens to seek judicial review if they feel the state of California or any county within it is failing to comply with the amendment. Additionally, the state auditor would be required to publicly audit state and county compliance every second year.
Endorsements
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error Support Oppose UndecidedIndependent Voter ProjectSeptember 23 – October 2, 20262,906 (LV)± 2.5%43%40%17%Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, Inc.September 21–24, 2026625 (LV)± 4.0%49%42%9% Berkeley IGSSeptember 15–20, 2026 4,512 (LV)± 2.0%39%52%9%SurveyUSASeptember 15–20, 2026742 (LV)± 4.6%48%38%13%Public Policy Institute of CaliforniaSeptember 4–10, 20261,103 (LV)± 3.8%43%55%1%Berkeley IGSAugust 3–9, 2026 2,310 (LV)± 2.5%42%51%7%Public Policy Institute of CaliforniaMay 14–18, 2026986 (LV)± 3.2%49%51%–Berkeley IGSApril 9–18, 2026 5,962 (RV)± 2.0%56%39%6%Berkeley IGSMarch 9–15, 20265,109 (RV)± 2.0%44%45%12%
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