Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings Gives $1 Million to Fight California Voter ID Measure

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has contributed $1 million to a campaign opposing a California ballot measure that would establish new identification requirements for voters, adding significant financial backing to the effort ahead of the November election.

The measure, Proposition 39, would amend California’s constitution to require voters casting ballots in person to present government-issued identification. Californians voting by mail would be required to provide the last four digits of a qualifying government-issued identification number.

The proposal would also require California to provide free voter identification cards to eligible voters who need them. In addition, state and local election officials would face new requirements involving the maintenance and verification of voter registration lists.

Hastings donated the $1 million through a political action committee called Californians for a Secure Democracy, which is working to defeat Proposition 39. The contribution makes the billionaire technology executive one of the prominent financial supporters of the opposition campaign.

Supporters of Proposition 39 argue that requiring identification would strengthen confidence in California elections and establish verification procedures similar to those already used in other states. Opponents argue that the requirements are unnecessary and could create additional barriers for some eligible voters.

The measure comes as voter identification requirements remain a major political issue nationwide. States currently use different procedures for verifying voters, including identification requirements, signature verification and other methods, while documented cases of noncitizen voting remain rare.

Hastings has been a significant political donor in California for years. His previous political spending has included millions of dollars in state campaigns and ballot measures, as well as substantial support for education-related political organizations.

His latest contribution puts him on the opposite side of wealthy donors supporting the voter ID proposal. The competing campaigns are expected to spend heavily as they attempt to persuade Californians before Election Day.

California voters will make the final decision on Proposition 39 on Nov. 3. If approved, the constitutional amendment would establish the new identification and voter-list requirements outlined in the measure.