An Orange County judge has denied the state attorney general’s effort to overturn Huntington Beach’s voter ID law. On Monday, Judge Nico Dourbetas ruled against the state’s argument that the law would disenfranchise voters. He stated, “There is no showing that a voter identification requirement compromises the integrity of a municipal election.”
Mayor Pat Burns hailed the decision as “a huge victory” for Huntington Beach and other charter cities in California. The city argues that as a charter city, it has the right to control its elections. Voters approved Measure A in March 2024, allowing the city to require voter ID starting in 2026.
Despite the ruling, the state attorney general’s office plans to appeal. Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed confidence that Measure A will eventually be overturned, stating, “We remain confident that Measure A will ultimately be struck down.” The case has already seen multiple legal challenges, with the California Courts of Appeal previously describing the city’s stance as “problematic.”
Huntington Beach resident Mark Bixby, who also sued to block the law, plans to appeal as well. His attorney, Lee Fink, said, “We are confident that the appellate courts will reverse the trial court and stop the city’s unconstitutional and ideologically-driven voter ID requirements.”
The voter ID requirement applies only to in-person voters and aims to reduce voter fraud. However, critics argue it could suppress voter turnout, particularly among low-income and minority communities. The state contends that the law conflicts with California’s election laws, which prohibit local governments from requiring voter ID at polling places.
The legal battle over Measure A is expected to continue as both sides prepare for further appeals.
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