A judge has once again ruled in favor of Huntington Beach’s new voter ID law, allowing the city to require voters to show identification at polling places. Orange County Superior Court Judge Nico Dourbetas found that, as a charter city, Huntington Beach has the right to set its own rules for municipal elections. The ruling comes despite challenges from the state, who argue that the law contradicts California’s broader election laws.
The law, which was approved by voters in 2024, is set to go into effect in 2026, though its implementation details remain unclear. State officials, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta, have expressed intent to appeal the decision.