Billionaire Donors Fund California Voter ID Initiative

Republican lawmaker Carl DeMaio authored Proposition 39, a California ballot measure that would require voters to present identification before casting ballots. The initiative also mandates that mail-in ballots include the last four digits of a government-issued ID number. DeMaio described the measure as a "more nuanced, balanced approach customized for California" compared to the Trump Save Act, noting that it maintains mail-in voting while adding citizenship verification.

The campaign has raised more than $36 million to support the measure. Major contributors include Richard Uihlein, who donated $17 million, Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia, who provided $8 million, and the Winklevoss twins. Supporters claim the requirements will increase public trust and confidence in the electoral process.

Opponents, including the California Democratic Party, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the League of Women Voters, argue against the identification requirements. Public opinion on the measure is inconsistent; a UC Berkeley poll shows the proposition trailing by 13 points, while other polls from late September indicate it is leading.