Billionaire developer Rick Caruso has contributed $25,000 to Californians for Voter ID, a committee backing a statewide ballot measure that would require voters to present identification at the polls. The donation, made on June 30, places Caruso, who finished second in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race after spending over $100 million, at odds with many California Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom.
Caruso's contribution supports a measure aimed at strengthening election security and bolstering public confidence. The initiative proposes requiring voters to show government-issued identification for in-person voting and provide identifying information for mail-in ballots. It also directs the state to offer voter identification cards upon request.
Californians for Voter ID has amassed significant funding, with $3.38 million raised this year alone, in addition to $8.8 million collected last year. The committee reported raising $1.67 million in the first quarter of the year, with an additional $1.71 million secured in the spring and summer. Other notable contributions include $1 million from Steve Bray, $250,000 from venture capitalist Douglas Leone, and $125,000 from Stark Industrial LLC.
Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, a proponent of voter ID requirements, praised Caruso's involvement, stating that the support reflects bipartisan backing for the measure. DeMaio noted that nearly half of the signatures to place the initiative on the ballot came from Democratic and Independent voters.
Governor Newsom and other Democratic leaders have opposed the proposal, viewing it as an unnecessary barrier to voting. In 2024, Newsom signed a law prohibiting local governments from enacting their own voter ID requirements. The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The debate over voter identification in California is occurring amid a broader national conversation on election integrity. President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver an address focusing on elections, voting machines, and election integrity, which he described as "really big news."
Trump has frequently raised concerns about election integrity. He has specifically questioned the results of the Los Angeles mayoral election, suggesting mail-in ballots unfairly impacted the outcome. Trump has advocated for stricter election laws, including the SAVE Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship and photo identification during voter registration. The president himself has previously used mail-in ballots to vote.
With substantial funding already secured, the election integrity issue is shaping up to be one of California's most expensive and closely contested ballot fights.