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The state, however, was quick to respond. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber sued the city, claiming that the voter ID amendment was illegal under state law. They argued, without presenting evidence, that the measure would disproportionately harm marginalized groups, including the poor, elderly, and people of color.
The legal action didn’t end there. In an effort to prevent similar voter ID measures from popping up across the state, California State Senator Dave Min introduced legislation specifically designed to block local governments from enacting their own voter requirements. Min dismissed the push for local election integrity, saying, “We can’t have local jurisdictions implementing their own voting requirements.” His bill quickly passed through the legislature and landed on Newsom’s desk, where it was signed into law last Sunday. The new law will take effect on January 1, 2025.
However, Huntington Beach’s current mayor, Gracey Van Der Mark, isn’t backing down. In fact, she’s outright rejecting the idea that the state’s new law has any bearing on her city. Van Der Mark questioned whether California even has the authority to impose such laws on charter cities like Huntington Beach, which have a unique degree of autonomy under the state’s constitution.
“The state cannot pass any laws that strip us of our constitutional rights,” Van Der Mark told LAist, defiantly adding, “so that law does not apply to us or affect our new election laws.” Her comments signal that Huntington Beach is prepared to fight this issue all the way to court.
This brewing legal battle has captured the attention of voters, as Huntington Beach isn’t the only city wrestling with election security concerns. While the new state law will not affect the upcoming 2024 elections, it sets the stage for what is likely to be an ongoing conflict over voter ID laws and election rules nationwide. With the city standing firm and state officials doubling down on their opposition, all signs point to a fierce courtroom clash in the near future.
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As the 2024 election approaches, this fight between Huntington Beach and the state of California over voter ID laws may serve as a symbol of a broader national debate about election integrity. For now, one thing is clear: Mayor Van Der Mark and the residents of Huntington Beach are not giving up on their quest to secure their local elections, even if it means going head-to-head with Sacramento.
The story of Huntington Beach and its fight for voter ID laws could very well set a precedent for other charter cities seeking greater control over their election processes. For now, all eyes are on the impending legal battle that will determine whether local election laws can stand in the face of statewide efforts to quash them.
