State appeals Huntington Beach voter ID law

Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber announced Thursday they will appeal the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging Huntington Beach's voter identification requirement, which is expected to take effect two years from now.

The lawsuit challenging Measure A, which would require identification from voters for municipal elections, was tossed out last month with a ruling that it wasn't "ripe for adjudication" and doesn't represent a conflict with state law.

The state was given a chance to amend the complaint, but Bonta and Weber decided to just go straight to an appeals court for relief.

"Secretary of State Weber and I continue to believe that Huntington Beach's voter ID policy is unlawful," Bonta said. "That's why, today, we are announcing our intention to appeal the Orange County Superior Court's decision holding that it is too early to bring our lawsuit. With preparations for the 2026 elections beginning late next year, we want and need a state appellate court to weigh in expeditiously. When that happens, we are confident that we will prevail."

Weber added, "Measure A is a solution in search of a problem. In California, we champion people's voices, we do not suppress them. We encourage participation in our democracy, we do not burden it."

The measure also indicates the city will provide more in-person voting locations and monitor ballot drop-boxes. 

Voters approved Measure A 53.4% to 46.6% in March. Mayor Tony Strickland and Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark supported the measure. 

Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates stated he will keep fighting for the law. 

This is not the first time the state has had to fight the Orange County city in court. They have previously faced off against state officials regarding housing and immigration. 

Additional reporting by City News Service.