Californians for Voter ID Initiative Raises Over $1 Million, Bolstered by Significant Contributions from Winklevoss Twins and Nicole Shanahan

A California ballot initiative seeking to implement stricter voter identification requirements for the 2026 election has successfully raised over $1 million in the third quarter of this year. The campaign, "Californians for Voter ID," reported significant contributions, including $250,000 each from cryptocurrency entrepreneurs Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, and a substantial $370,000 from Nicole Shanahan, the former running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The fundraising surge, occurring between July 1 and September 30, positions the initiative to advance its efforts to qualify for the November 3, 2026 ballot. According to a tweet by Rob Pyers, > "Californians for Voter ID... raised $1M+ between 7/1 - 9/30, including $250K each from Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss and $370K from RFK, Jr. running mate Nicole Shanahan." The proposed constitutional amendment would mandate government-issued identification for in-person voting and require the last four digits of a unique government-issued identifying number for mail-in ballots.

The initiative, officially designated #25-0007, also aims to compel the Secretary of State and county election officials to maintain accurate voter registration lists, including verifying citizenship attestations. Spearheaded by groups like Reform California, the campaign needs 874,641 valid signatures to secure a spot on the 2026 ballot, with a suggested deadline for signature submission in early 2026. Proponents argue that such measures are crucial for election integrity, citing polls that indicate broad public support for voter ID requirements across the state.

The contributions highlight diverse support for the voter ID measure. Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, known for their roles in the cryptocurrency exchange Gemini and significant donations to Republican and pro-crypto causes, have previously supported candidates and initiatives aligned with conservative principles. Nicole Shanahan, an attorney and entrepreneur who served as RFK Jr.'s vice-presidential pick, has a history of donating to both Democratic and independent political campaigns, making her substantial contribution to the voter ID effort notable given her past affiliations.

The infusion of capital is expected to bolster the campaign's signature-gathering efforts and public outreach as it navigates the complex process of qualifying for a statewide ballot measure. The initiative faces potential opposition from groups concerned about voter access and potential disenfranchisement, setting the stage for a significant political debate leading up to the 2026 election cycle.