California Voters Face Billionaire Tax and Voter ID Measures

California voters head to the polls on Nov. 3 to decide two sharply debated measures: Proposition 40, which would impose a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires’ net worth, and Proposition 39, which would change how voters’ identities and eligibility are verified.

Several Los Angeles residents said they support both proposals. Artist Sandy Weiner and wellness educator Patricia Greenberg said billionaires should contribute more to public services, including health care and education. Creative director Nikki Paige said she would favor a tax higher than 5%, and added that voter identification should be easy to obtain.

Proposition 39 would require government-issued identification for in-person voting. For mail ballots, voters would provide the last four digits of a government-issued identification number that matches their registration information. The measure also calls for annual checks of voter rolls for noncitizens and free voter ID cards upon request. California currently generally does not require ID at in-person polling places, and mail ballots are verified by signatures.

Supporters say the requirements would deter fraud and bolster confidence in elections. Opponents argue that fraud is rare and that mismatched or outdated information could keep eligible voters from voting. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates implementation could place an annual burden of tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars on state and local governments.

Proposition 40’s supporters say its revenue could reach tens of billions of dollars, with most earmarked for health care, including to offset federal Medi-Cal cuts. Critics warn that billionaires or businesses could leave, reducing the state’s tax base. Voters will decide both measures on Nov. 3.

California Can Fund Care and Protect Every Eligible Vote

California voters face two consequential choices on Nov. 3: whether billionaires should pay a one-time 5% tax on their net worth, and whether the state should impose new identification checks on voters. The measures put public services and access to the ballot at stake.

Supporters of Proposition 40 say the tax could bring in tens of billions of dollars, with most of the funds directed to health care and help offsetting federal cuts to Medi-Cal. Los Angeles residents backing the measure said billionaires have a responsibility to contribute to community services, including health care and education. Critics warn wealthy residents or businesses may leave and shrink the state’s tax base.

Proposition 39 would require government-issued ID for in-person voting and matching identifying digits on mail ballots. It would also add annual voter-roll checks and provide free voter ID cards upon request. But opponents, including voting and civil rights groups, say fraud is rare and new requirements could disenfranchise eligible people whose identification or registration details do not match. The state and local governments could face costs ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

The choice is not simply between secure elections and no safeguards: California already checks mail ballots through signatures, and voters provide identifying information when registering. Californians will decide whether the proposed changes justify the added barriers and expense.

California Voters Weigh Taxing Billionaires and Securing Elections

California voters have a chance on Nov. 3 to approve a one-time 5% tax on billionaires’ net worth and require new checks on voter identity. Los Angeles residents interviewed backed both proposals, rejecting the idea that billionaires should be exempt from contributing to public services and describing voter ID as a sensible safeguard.

Proposition 40 supporters say the tax could bring in tens of billions of dollars, with the bulk of proceeds designated for health care and help offsetting federal Medi-Cal cuts. Critics warn that billionaires and businesses could leave, ultimately eroding the state’s tax base. The public debate is over whether the promised revenue outweighs that risk.

Proposition 39 would require government-issued identification to vote in person and identifying digits on mail ballots that match registration records. It would also require annual checks of voter rolls for noncitizens and make free voter ID cards available upon request. Supporters say these steps can deter fraud and strengthen public confidence; 36 other states have some type of voter identification rule, either mandatory or advisory.

Opponents argue that fraud is rare and warn of hurdles for eligible voters, as well as implementation costs that could run from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. But requiring identification does not eliminate access: the measure provides for free cards, and supporters say voters across the political spectrum favor ID rules. Californians will settle the dispute at the ballot box on Nov. 3.