DATE:
April 22, 2025
10
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ENSURING SAFE AND SECURE ELECTIONS THROUGH SUPPORTING THE USE OF VOTER ID IN CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
In the United States, identification (ID) is required for many essential activities in daily life, such as driving, traveling, purchasing alcohol, getting a job, opening a bank account, renting or buying a home, receiving government benefits, among others. Yet, despite the need for ID in so many aspects, one aspect where it's not required is voting. While an ID is needed to register to vote, you do not need an ID to cast a ballot. This is a vulnerability in our election system. This leaves elections vulnerable to impersonation and fraud. For so many important aspects of life, people must prove their identity-but not when it comes to casting a ballot.
81% of Americans support a requirement to show government-issued photo ID to vote according to Pew Research. Dozens of countries, including most of Europe, require ID to vote. 38 states in America have some variation of voter ID laws. Yet, California does not. Senate Bill 1174 was a mistake, and California should take steps to rectify it. San Diego County should advocate to overturn SB 1174 and adopt voter ID practices.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include in the Board's Legislative Program support of legislation that will require voters to show identification before voting in elections.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with today's recommendation. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. They provide the outlet for citizens to have a voice to choose their leaders, influence policy, and have a say in the dir...
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