US billionaires back California voter ID ballot measure

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 18:00 · Archive

Out-of-state billionaires have donated millions to support California's Proposition 39, which would require voters to show identification.

Billionaires across the United States are spending vast sums to support California's Proposition 39, a measure that would require voters to show identification before casting ballots. The campaign has received more than $36m, according to reports, including $17m from conservative donor Richard Uihlein, owner of a shipping supply company. Joe Gebbia, a co-founder of Airbnb and Trump administration official, has given $8m, whilst Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and Nicole Shanahan have also made significant donations. The yes campaign has outraised opponents by as much as $13m.

California voters do not currently have to show identification at the polls, but must provide a driver's licence, state identification number or partial social security number when registering to vote. If approved in November, Prop 39 would require government-issued ID to vote in person or by mail, and would mandate that mail ballots include the last four digits of a government-issued ID number on an envelope. The measure would also require election officials to verify U.S. citizenship.

The proposition was authored by Republican lawmaker Carl DeMaio after unsuccessful efforts to advance voter ID legislation in California's Democratic-dominated statehouse. The measure is being promoted as a way to increase trust and confidence in elections. Opponents, including the ACLU California Action, Common Cause and the League of Women Voters of California, argue it would advance voter suppression and create costly, unnecessary barriers.

How it is being reported

• Radical anti-Trump language riddles California voter guide on high-stakes ballot measureCalifornia's Prop 39 voter ID ballot guide draws backlash online for its politically charged language, including a reference to "MAGA billionaires."Fox News · 9 Oct, 16:56
• Billionaires donate millions supporting California law requiring voters to show IDs before casting ballotsVarious out-of-state conservative donors have given millions of dollars to support California’s Proposition 39 Billionaires across the US are spending vast sums to support California’s Proposition 39, a measure that would require voters to show identification before casting their ballots. The measure is being promoted as a way to “[increase] trust and confidence in our elections”, and comes amid a nationwide push by the Trump’s administration to restrict voting. California Republicans have long sought to advance a voter ID initiative in the state. Continue reading...The Guardian · 8 Oct, 19:39

In this story: Richard Uihlein · Joe Gebbia · Carl DeMaio · California · Trump · Cameron Winklevoss · Tyler Winklevoss · Nicole Shanahan

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem