LA voters back billionaire tax AND voter ID in surprising political crossover

On the eve of Election Day, many Los Angeles voters interviewed by the California Post revealed an unexpected political crossover, with many supporting both the billionaire tax — a measure typically associated with Democrats — as well as voter ID requirements — a policy usually championed by Republicans. 

Two of the most politically divisive measures on California’s Nov. 3 ballot, Proposition 40 would impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of California billionaires, while Proposition 39 would require Californians to present government-issued identification when voting in person or provide the last four digits of a designated government-issued ID number on their mail-in ballot envelopes.

Artist Sandy Weiner unapologetically supports both. 

“Let them have it. They deserve to be taxed,” Weiner said of the billionaire tax. “I do feel they’re not paying their fair share.” He said the money should go toward public services like “health, education, welfare.” 

Weiner is not at all concerned about a billionaire exodus. “I don’t give a crap,” he said. “Let them leave.”

Weiner also considers voter ID requirements common sense. “I always show ID anyway,” he said. “What’s the problem?” 

Nikki Paige, a creative director, agrees. “I think there should be more than a 5% tax on California billionaires. Do you know how many dollars $1 billion is?” she said, adding that the percentage should increase based on how many billions the billionaire possesses. 

Page also said voter ID would help keep elections accurate. “To me, it makes sense because it keeps elections safe. But I mean, then there also needs to be easy access to acquiring an ID.”

Patricia Greenberg, a wellness educator, is also voting in favor of both propositions. “I think that anybody who makes that amount of money has a responsibility, both morally and civilly, to give back to the community,” she said, adding the money should be spent on social services, especially healthcare. 

Greenberg said she’s not concerned about billionaires leaving the state. “I think most people aren’t just going to pick up and leave over a bill.”

Greenberg also said she’s “in favor of” voter ID and never votes along party lines. “I think that’s a valid request to make sure people are on the up and up when they’re voting, absolutely.” 

California Post Opinion Editor Joel Pollak says many Democrats believe some form of ID should be required when voting. But “once Democratic voters learn that Republicans really want voter ID to pass, they tend to oppose it,” he said. 

Supporters of the billionaire tax say it could raise tens of billions of dollars, with most of the revenue earmarked for healthcare. Supporters say the measure would help offset federal cuts to Medi-Cal, but critics warn the measure could drive billionaires and businesses out of California, ultimately shrinking the state’s tax base. 

Supporters of voter ID argue the measure would help prevent voter fraud and restore public confidence in elections. Opponents say voter fraud is already rare and warn that the new requirements could prevent many eligible voters from casting ballots.

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