Count Me Out: California Voters Stayed Home to Complain About Voter Fraud
Craig DeRoche, CEO of Family Policy Alliance and former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, says Republicans are drawing the wrong lesson from Spencer Pratt’s recent election defeat in Los Angeles. While many conservatives point to suspicious vote-counting practices and the familiar sight of Democratic candidates gaining ground after Election Day, DeRoche argues that the larger issues are far more fundamental: California’s lack of meaningful voter ID requirements and a chronically disengaged voter base.
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- Voter ID protects elections and strengthens public confidence.
- Michigan’s voter ID model offers lessons for California.
- Most registered Christians in Los Angeles don’t vote.
- Turnout prevents fraud claims before they begin.
- Flood the ballot box, not the courthouse.
In Los Angeles County alone, an estimated 60% to 70% of registered Christian voters stayed home, helping create an environment where low turnout—not just questions about election administration—can determine outcomes. According to DeRoche, regardless of how much fraud may or may not occur, elections become far less vulnerable to both misconduct and accusations of misconduct when voter ID laws are enforced and citizens overwhelm the ballot box through strong participation.
Craig DeRoche, CEO of Family Policy Alliance and former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, believes the conversation surrounding election integrity frequently misses two of the most important factors: voter identification and voter turnout.
DeRoche played a leading role in Michigan’s successful effort to implement voter ID requirements in 2005 and argues that voter ID laws remain one of the most effective tools available for strengthening public confidence in election outcomes. However, he cautions that laws alone are not enough.
“Voter ID works when it is enforced,” DeRoche says. “Strong election laws must be paired with consistent implementation and oversight if voters are going to trust the results.”
But DeRoche also points to another factor that is entirely within voters’ control: participation.
According to DeRoche, many election controversies could be avoided if more eligible citizens simply showed up to vote. He notes that in Los Angeles County, an estimated 60% to 70% of registered Christian voters did not participate in recent elections. Overall, only about 22% of eligible voters cast ballots.
“When turnout is low, every ballot becomes more significant, and every close race becomes more vulnerable to accusations, suspicion, and controversy,” DeRoche argues.
Rather than focusing solely on post-election disputes, DeRoche urges civic leaders, churches, and community organizations to prioritize voter engagement before ballots are cast.
He contends that the combination of strong voter ID enforcement and overwhelming voter participation offers the most effective path toward reducing both election fraud and allegations of election fraud.
As California’s next major races begin to take shape, DeRoche is available to discuss why election confidence starts long before Election Day, what Michigan’s voter ID experience can teach the rest of the country, and why turnout may ultimately be the most powerful election-integrity tool available to voters.
Relevant Article(s):
California Governor Primary Election 2026 Live Results
1st look at election results in LA mayor race – ABC7 Los Angeles
OPTIONAL Q&A:
- What lessons should conservatives take away from Spencer Pratt’s defeat in Los Angeles?
- How much of California’s election-integrity debate stems from weak voter ID laws versus allegations of fraud?
- Why does Family Policy Alliance view voter ID as one of the most important election reforms?
- What role did you play in Michigan’s successful voter ID effort, and what can California learn from that experience?
- How significant is the impact of low Christian voter turnout in Los Angeles County on election outcomes?
- What do you say to voters who believe election fraud alone explains Republican losses in California?
- Can overwhelming voter turnout be a more effective safeguard than post-election legal challenges and recounts?
- What specific steps should churches, faith leaders, and grassroots organizations take to increase voter participation before the next California elections?
ABOUT CRAIG DEROCHE…
Craig DeRoche serves as President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance, the central hub of the pro-family movement, equipping citizens, churches, and elected officials to protect children, defend parents’ rights, and advance biblical values through civic engagement. Under Craig’s leadership, FPA and its network of 40 state family policy councils have helped lead major national campaigns including Save Girls Sports, Help Not Harm, After Roe, and Let Parents Parent.
Craig previously served as Speaker of the House in Michigan and president of Justice Fellowship, founded by Watergate figure, Chuck Colson. He is a frequent speaker and author on faith, culture, public policy, and civic engagement and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Fox News, and Christianity Today. Craig is also a devoted husband and father and the author of Highly Functional and Outrageous Justice.
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