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SB-405 • 2026

Elections: voter identification.

Elections: voter identification.

Elections
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Choi
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide details on the specific impacts or requirements for IDs.

Voter Identification in Elections

The bill removes a law that prevents local governments from requiring voters to show identification when voting.

What This Bill Does

  • Removes the current rule that stops local governments from making people show ID to vote.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Local government officials who make voting rules
  • Voters in areas where local governments decide to add ID requirements

Terms To Know

Charter provision
A rule or law that is part of a city's official document called a charter.
Ordinance
A local law made by a town, city, or county government.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify what kind of ID voters need to show.
  • It is unclear how this change will affect voter turnout or election security.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2025-04-01 California Legislative Information

    April 1 set for first hearing. Held in committee without recommendation.

  3. 2025-03-20 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing April 1.

  4. 2025-03-19 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Coms. on E. & C.A., L. GOV., and APPR.

  5. 2025-02-18 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 17.

  6. 2025-02-14 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 405, as introduced, Choi.
Elections: voter identification.
Existing law prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing any charter provision, ordinance, or regulation requiring a person to present identification for the purpose of voting or submitting a ballot at any polling place, vote center, or other location where ballots are cast or submitted.
This bill would repeal that prohibition.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF