California has banned voter ID laws. What requirements apply in the West? -Deseret News

Billionaire Elon Musk criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing a bill over the weekend that would ban counties in the state from requiring ID to vote.

“Wow, it’s now illegal to require voter ID in California! You just broke the law preventing voter fraud,” Musk wrote on X late Monday. “The Joker is in charge.”

This bill came about in response to a ballot measure passed in Huntington Beach in March that required people to present photo ID when voting in city elections. It should come into force in 2026.

A month later, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley Weber filed a lawsuit against the coastal city over the voter ID regulation.

According to a press release, Bonta argued at the time that the law violated the principles of democracy.

“State election law already contains strict voter ID requirements with strong safeguards to prevent voter fraud while ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their vote without difficulty. “Imposing unnecessary barriers to voter participation disproportionately burdens low-income voters, voters of color, young or older voters, and people with disabilities,” he said.

California's attorney general urged the courts to block the bill and vowed to continue defending voter rights. Meanwhile, state lawmakers have proposed a bill targeting the Huntington Beach law.

According to the National Conference of State Legislature, California is one of 14 states that do not require ID when voting.

Voter ID laws in every state

According to NCSL and Ballotpedia, voter ID laws exist in the West.

Arizona: To vote, voters must present one photo ID or two non-photo IDs. If the voter does not provide ID, they will receive a provisional ballot. After voting, they have five days to show their ID to have their ballot counted.

Colorado: Voters must show ID when voting, but a photo is not required. The rule doesn't affect many voters because the state holds all of its elections by absentee ballot.

Idaho: Voters must provide photo ID. If this is not possible, they must sign an affidavit with their name and address.

Montana: The state requires photo ID. If a voter does not have one on hand, they will be asked to cast their vote on a provisional ballot. The voter's signature on the ballot paper is compared with his or her signature on record.

Oregon, Nevada and New Mexico: No documents are required to cast your vote.

Utah: Photo identification is requested but not required, and the county clerk is authorized to verify identity using other methods.

Washington: Photo ID or signed declaration is required at the polls. The rule doesn't affect many voters because the state holds all of its elections by absentee ballot.

Wyoming: The state absolutely requires photo ID at the polls. A voter who does not meet this requirement must use a provisional ballot and provide photo ID the next day in order for the ballot to be counted.