AB1116 would have allowed eligible Californians without a state driver's license or identification card to register to vote online by providing the last four digits of their Social Security number, full name, date of birth, and an electronic signature. The secretary of state would have been required to verify the applicant's identity and create an accessible method for collecting signatures.

The California State Senate passed AB1116 on August 24, 2026 by a vote of 29 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill would weaken voter-registration safeguards by allowing individuals without a California driver's license or identification card to register online using only the last four digits of a Social Security number and other identifying information. Article II, Section 2 of the California Constitution provides that a United States citizen who is 18 years of age and a resident of the state may vote. The American people alone retain the "right of Representation in the Legislature," and qualified U.S.-citizen voters should not have their lawful votes diluted by inadequate safeguards against improper registration. California lawmakers should exercise their authority under Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, in conjunction with the 14th and 26th Amendments, to provide free, fair, and secure elections and protect "the right of citizens of the United States to vote."