On October 7, Long “David” Liu, a Republican candidate vying for California’s 49th Assembly District, made headlines by announcing his legal action against Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding the recently enacted SB 1174 bill. This legislation prohibits local governments from requiring voter identification prior to ballot casting. Liu asserts that he is the first candidate to take such measures against both officials, with the goal of safeguarding election integrity and ensuring every citizen’s right to vote legitimately.
During a press conference in Los Angeles, Liu emphasized his dedication to maintaining the legitimacy and sanctity of elections, stressing the importance of public trust in the upcoming November election and its results. He criticized Governor Newsom for supporting SB 1174, arguing that it undermines the fundamental fairness of the electoral process.
The SB 1174 bill, which Newsom recently signed into law, specifically bars local regulations that impose voter ID mandates. Liu contends that this law facilitates voting for individuals who cannot provide identification, which he believes poses a serious threat to the integrity of the democratic process. “The consequences could lead to a breakdown of our democratic system,” he asserted.
Liu highlighted the contrast between public discussions about election integrity and the apparent lack of decisive action. “It’s time to stand up against laws that undermine democracy,” he declared. “By suing the governor today, I am defending one of our most sacred rights: the right to free and fair elections. At this time, nothing is more critical than the integrity of our electoral processes.”
Supporters of the controversial SB 1174 argue that imposing identification requirements may create obstacles for marginalized groups, including minorities, low-income individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Liu, however, noted that numerous areas manage to enforce voter ID requirements without adversely affecting voter participation rates. He argues that backing this bill could inadvertently foster an environment conducive to fraudulent voting.
Liu is actively pursuing a court injunction to prevent the implementation of this law and is calling on local election officials to take proactive steps to bolster public confidence ahead of the November 5 elections. He underscored the urgency of his lawsuit, asserting that a federal court ruling against the prohibition on voter ID checks could dramatically reshape California’s electoral landscape, securing legal protections for elections at all levels—mayoral, prosecutorial, and legislative. “Fair elections are crucial to the fate of America,” Liu emphasized. “We must employ legal avenues to protect citizens’ voting rights and reinforce the legal groundwork of our democracy.”
