Voters approve stricter election rules in several states, reject ID mandates in California and Colorado

In Ohio, Issue 3 passed with 65.33% support, according to Newsmax projections, with 95% of votes counted.

Voters approve stricter election rules in several states, reject ID mandates in California and Colorado

A roll of “I VOTED” stickers sitting on the table of an empty registration desk at a US polling station on election day with a “PLEASE SHOW ID” sign, red, white and blue bunting an American flag in the background.

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Voters across several states approved stricter election rules Tuesday, backing voter ID and citizenship requirements while rejecting new identification mandates in California and Colorado.

Thirteen states considered 15 election-related ballot questions, most focused on voter identification or citizenship requirements.

In Ohio, Issue 3 passed with 65.33% support, according to Newsmax projections, with 95% of votes counted. The constitutional amendment reinforces photo ID requirements for in-person voting and establishes identification rules for mail-in and absentee ballots, subject to specified exceptions.

North Carolina voters also approved a constitutional amendment requiring voter identification, with about 60% support. Nevada voters approved a similar amendment for the second time, completing the state’s requirement for constitutional initiatives to pass in two elections.

Meanwhile, California voters rejected Proposition 39, with about 60% voting against the measure. Colorado voters also rejected a new voter ID mandate. Citizen activists placed both measures on the ballot, bypassing Democratic-led legislatures.

Supporters argue voter ID requirements deter fraud and strengthen election confidence. Opponents say the rules create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters, noting that voter impersonation and noncitizen voting are rare.

Voters in Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota and West Virginia approved constitutional amendments restricting voting to U.S. citizens. Alaska voters adopted a similar requirement through state law.

Preliminary Associated Press figures showed about 79% support in West Virginia and 68% in Arkansas.

Arizona’s Proposition 144 remained unresolved as of midnight. The measure would require citizenship verification and voter identification, while also banning foreign contributions to state elections. Newsmax reported 53.2% opposed the proposal and 46.8% supported it as votes continued to be counted.