(The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta is one step closer to securing a ban on requiring voter identification to vote after the Orange County Superior Court granted the state’s request for an appealable order.
Huntington Beach amended its city law to include Measure A which requires voter identification to vote at the polls at all municipal elections beginning in 2026. However, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning voter identification requirements in the state in 2024, but it did not take effect until the beginning of this year.
After Huntington Beach’s law was passed, Bonta sued the city, but the California Superior Court ruled that it was too soon for a lawsuit.
“The Court finds that this matter is not ripe for adjudication, as [the change to] the City’s Charter is permissive and discretionary in character, and thus currently presents no conflict with state elections law,” ruled California Superior Court Judge Nico Dourbetas.
However, Bonta requested the appeal, saying that it is important the case is settled with plenty of time before the 2026 midterm elections.