A Sacramento Superior Court judge on Thursday upheld radical Democrat Attorney General Rob Bonta’s last-minute, heavily slanted ballot title and summary for Proposition 39, California’s common-sense voter ID initiative, locking in language that frames the measure as one that “PROHIBITS CITIZENS FROM VOTING UNLESS THEY PRESENT GOVERNMENT-ISSUED IDENTIFICATION.”
Judge Jennifer K. Rockwell denied the petition for writ of mandate filed by Californians for Voter ID, Yes on 39, and registered voter Donald DiCostanzo.
The court ruled that Bonta’s materials “accurately describe the effect of the measure” and fell within the “considerable latitude” the Attorney General enjoys under California election law.
The bold, capitalized lead language that will confront voters on the November 3, 2026, ballot is exactly what Yes on 39 supporters called false and designed to prejudice the electorate against the popular reform.
Proposition 39 would amend the state Constitution to require government-issued identification for in-person voting and the last four digits of a designated government-issued ID number on mail ballot envelopes.
It also directs election officials to maintain accurate voter rolls, use best efforts to verify citizenship, and report annually on citizenship verification rates.
The state would provide free voter ID cards on request. Election officials would only count ballots after verifying identity and that the person has cast only one ballot.
Hellbound and Down 