Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law banning voter ID requirements. The move was met with criticism from Elon Musk, who called Newsom "The Joker."
Musk expressed his frustration on X, saying, “Wow, it is now illegal to require voter ID in California! They just made PREVENTING voter fraud against the law.” He compared Newsom to the iconic villain.
The bill was introduced by state Sen. David Min earlier this year. It passed in August and was signed into law by Newsom on Thursday.
This law comes in response to Huntington Beach's Measure A, which sought to require voter ID. Measure A was approved by residents with a 53.4% vote. It also aimed to increase voting sites and monitor ballot drop boxes.
However, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber challenged the measure. They claimed it conflicted with state law, which does not require voter ID.
Bonta argued that existing state election laws already prevent voter fraud. He warned that additional requirements would harm low-income, minority, and elderly voters.
Despite the legal challenges, Huntington Beach pushed forward. City Attorney Michael Gates said the measure was backed by the state constitution and vowed to enforce it.
Musk has clashed with Newsom before, criticizing California's political decisions. Recently, he voiced his frustration over a new law banning political "deepfakes" and has threatened to move SpaceX’s headquarters to Texas.