Megadonors give millions to California voter ID measure

California voters will decide on Proposition 39, which would require photo identification to vote in person and the last four digits of a government-issued ID number on mail ballots; the state currently does not require ID at the polls. Supporters say the requirements would strengthen election security and public confidence, while opponents warn they could burden or disenfranchise eligible voters—especially low-income people, young voters, minorities, and those who have recently moved or changed their names. The initiative has drawn substantial support from conservative megadonors, including Richard Uihlein, whose $17 million contribution is among the largest, and its campaign has significantly outraised opponents. Backers see the measure as part of a wider conservative push for tighter voting rules, while critics question the need for it, pointing to a lack of evidence that noncitizens are voting on a large scale.