Huntington Beach is facing another lawsuit from the state — this time over voting rights.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the city Monday, following the passage of Measure A in the March 5th primary. The new law allows officials to require identification in order to vote, beginning in 2026.
"The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beach's voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle," Bonta said in a statement. He accused Surf City of “willfully” and “brazenly” violating state law.
Bonta’s actions were expected. He and Secretary of State Shirley Weber warned of legal action prior to the measure’s approval.
City Attorney Michael Gates — who is already battling a state lawsuit over housing — vowed to defend the voter ID law in court.