February 4, 2010
Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005, we have
reviewed the proposed initiative related to voter identification at
polling places (A.G. File No. 09‑0106).
Background
Voting Requirements. Federal law
requires first-time voters who register by mail to provide
identification at some point in the voting process (either when
registering or voting). If identification is not provided, first-time
voters can still cast a "provisional" ballot. Provisional ballots are
conditional ballots, with voting eligibility confirmed after the
election. Other voters are not required to show identification when they
vote in person at polling places.
Active Duty Military Voting Requirements.
Under current law, ballots cast by active duty military personnel are
accepted if received by the elections official no later than the close
of the polls on election day.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Fees for
Identification. The DMV assesses fees for new and replacement
identification cards. These fees are $20 for most individuals. For
individuals that meet certain low-income eligibility requirements, the
fee is $6. There is no charge for seniors.
Proposal
This statutory initiative makes various changes
to state voting practices. The changes would apply to elections held in
2012 or later. Specifically, it:
-
Requires Identification for Voting at
Polling Place. This measure requires all voters who vote in
person at polling places to show picture identification. Voters not
providing the required identification could still cast provisional
ballots.
-
Allows More Time to Submit Ballots of
Active Duty Military Personnel. This measure requires an
elections official to accept ballots from active duty military
personnel if they are received by an election official no later than
15 days after election day.
-
Waives Fees for Identifications Used to
Vote. This measure
waives any fees associated with obtaining a valid identification
card for the purpose of voting at a polling place.
Fiscal Effect
Counties determine how many precincts and poll
workers to use at each election based on the number of expected voters
and the time it takes for each voter to cast a ballot. This measure
would have various fiscal impacts on government (primarily counties).
For example, it would increase costs by:
-
Requiring additional information to be
verified at polling places.
-
Potentially increasing the number of
provisional ballots cast, which take longer to process than standard
ballots.
-
Extending the time allowed for receipt of
ballots cast by active duty military personnel, which could increase
the number of vote by mail ballots cast and reviewed by county
election officials.
There would likely be a cost to governments
(primarily counties) from these provisions. These costs, however,
probably would not be significant.
The DMV collects in the range of $26 million in
fee revenues each year from new and replacement identification
issuances. To the extent that individuals requested identification cards
for the stated purpose of voting in a polling place, there could be
reductions in the amount of fees collected by the state for new and
replacement identification cards. These reductions in fee revenues would
likely not be significant.
Summary of Fiscal Effect
This measure would have the following fiscal
impact:
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