Reed Hastings and Patty Quillin Fund Opposition to California’s Voter-ID Ballot Measure

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings contributed $1 million in early September to a “No on 39” committee backed by labor and community-health groups. His wife of 35 years, Patty Quillin, donated $1.5 million on August 31 to a separate anti-Prop 39 coalition linked to the ACLU. The “No on 39” effort also received $2 million from the Los Angeles-based California Community Foundation. Other major backers of the measure include billionaire Richard Uihlein and Nicole Shanahan.

New York Post

If approved, Proposition 39 would require voters casting ballots in person to present a government-issued photo ID. Voters using mail-in ballots would have to write the last four digits of an identification number on their ballot envelopes. The measure is slated for the November election.

Daily Wire

A Public Policy Institute of California poll shows 55 % of likely voters oppose Prop 39 while 43 % support it. Support is strongest among Republicans (85 % in favor) and weakest among Democrats (19 % in favor). Demographic trends indicate higher backing from voters over age 55 and from residents of the Central Valley and Inland Empire.

Daily Wire

First Assistant U.S. Opponents such as the ACLU California Action, the League of Women Voters, and several Democratic officials argue the measure would impose undue restrictions and increase the risk of identity theft. Proponents, including Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, contend the initiative is a bipartisan solution to restore trust in the state’s election system.

Daily Wire

“California politicians are getting special interests to bankroll their dishonest smear campaign against Prop 39, but in the end we are confident voters will vote YES on Prop 39 because it is truly the bipartisan solution for Voter ID to restore trust in our democracy,” — Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio

New York Post