One of the more controversial measures on California’s November ballot is Proposition 39, the voter ID proposal, which the California Democratic Party opposes. Does it deserve the controversy?
Proposition 39 would amend the California Constitution to add a voter ID requirement: if a California citizen votes in person, the voter must present government-issued identification; or if the citizen votes by mail, the voter must provide the last four digits of government-issued identification. Upon request, the state shall provide, at no charge, a voter ID card.
Proposition 39 supposedly is a solution to what President Trump says is a major problem – massive voter fraud. This is either a lie or a delusion, depending on one’s view of Trump’s mental condition. Studies repeatedly find few cases of voter fraud; prosecutions for voter fraud are rare. No one has ever proven that any U.S. election result was changed by voter fraud.
Still, the quantity of voter fraud, while trifling, is greater than zero; no voter fraud would be better than a little voter fraud. And what Proposition 39 would demand of voters is not very radical.
First, presenting an identification card when voting in person. If a person doesn’t have the needed ID card, the state will provide it for free. According to the National Council of State Legislatures, 36 states – almost 75% – request or require showing ID at the polls. The sky has not fallen in those states. Moreover, the vast majority of countries around the world require photo ID to vote. Voter ID is simply nothing to be afraid of.
Second, writing a four-digit ID number on the envelope when voting by mail. How hard is that? Honestly, this is not worth getting our knickers in a knot about.
A bonus benefit of passing Proposition 39: it would take this tiresome argument away from the Republicans. With voter ID requirements in place, they could no longer credibly claim to be worried about voter fraud in California. It would be worth something not to have to listen to these overblown fears any more.
One hates to do anything that even hints at supporting the delusional Trumpian lie that voter fraud is a widespread problem. But Democrats should not reflexively oppose a policy — or exaggerate its dangers — simply because Republicans advance it. While it’s always tempting to treat politics as a team sport, this puts party above country. Finding areas of compromise and agreement is the essence of democratic self-rule, not a betrayal of principle.
Proposition 39 can do little harm, might do a little good and is nothing to rush to the ramparts about.
Los Angeles attorney Paul Kujawsky is a Democratic Party activist.
