Orange County Faces Heavy Costs with SAVE Act Implementation

News Summary

Orange County is bracing for significant financial implications as the state moves forward with the SAVE Act, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The estimated annual cost for the county could exceed $6 million, primarily due to increased labor costs and logistics. With the projected need for 59 new staff members and additional investments in workspace, the SAVE Act raises concerns about its financial burden and potential barriers to voter registration.

Orange County Faces Heavy Costs with Implementation of SAVE Act

Orange County, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant communities, is now faced with an exciting yet expensive proposition as the state moves to implement the SAVE Act. This proposed legislation, recently passed by the House, calls for voters to demonstrate proof of U.S. citizenship when registering or updating their voter registrations. However, the Registrar of Voters, Bob Page, estimates that this new requirement could cost the county over $6 million annually.

What’s in Store for Voter Registration?

Last year, Orange County processed a whopping 633,568 voter registration updates and new sign-ups, either through the mail or online. With the SAVE Act’s implementation, that number could lead to some serious logistical challenges. To ensure smooth processing of these applications, the county is considering hiring 59 new staff members: 57 dedicated to processing applications, plus 2 supervisors to guide the team.

The estimated labor costs for these new employees are projected to exceed $4.7 million per year. That’s just the tip of the iceberg! The county will also need to invest in leasing workspace for the new hires, which could add another $1.1 million to the annual budget. And let’s not forget the one-time cost of $354,000 for cubicles and furniture, not to mention expenses for computers, scanners, and phones. It’s clear that the SAVE Act will require some serious spending.

New Voting Center Staff Needed

As the election dates approach, the registrar’s office anticipates an increase in the need for trained vote center staff to help people who register and vote on the spot, especially during the 14 days leading up to an election. With these demands, getting everything organized could be a daunting task for the county.

Understanding the SAVE Act

Passed by the House on April 10, 2025, the SAVE Act squeaked through with a 220-208 vote. Notably, all Republicans were in favor, while no California Democrats supported the bill, suggesting a sharp divide. Under this Act, applicants are required to provide hard proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, a REAL ID, or a certified birth certificate alongside a photo ID. The law also mandates that states routinely check voter citizenship against federal databases and take steps to remove those who are not eligible.

There could be serious repercussions for election officials who register voters without proper proof, as they may face criminal penalties. While voters unable to immediately provide proof of citizenship can still cast a provisional ballot, it’s critical to note that this ballot will count only if they provide the necessary documentation later on.

Debate On the SAVE Act Heats Up

Supporters of the SAVE Act argue that it is vital for maintaining the integrity of elections and preventing illegal voting by non-citizens. However, opponents, including the California Secretary of State, are raising their voices against it, claiming that the new requirements create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters and could disenfranchise many. Critics also argue that existing laws already prevent non-citizens from voting and label the new requirements as costly and unrealistic.

The statistics tell a compelling story, showing that over the past two decades, California has recorded only 43 instances of false registration or ineligible voting. Research by the Brennan Center for Justice indicates that during the 2016 election, merely about 30 cases of suspected non-citizen voting were under investigation.

Looking Ahead

As the SAVE Act now awaits action in the Senate, the financial and emotional burdens it may impose, particularly on traditionally underserved populations such as communities of color, naturalized citizens, and low-income individuals, are making many people anxious. With the possibility of complex new rules and hefty costs on the horizon, Orange County residents and officials alike will need to stay tuned for what comes next.

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Additional Resources

• Orange Juice Blog: OC Registrar of Voters Responds to Republicans’ Anti-Democracy SAVE Act
• OC Register: New Voter ID Bill Could Cost Orange County More Than $6 Million a Year, Registrar Says
• KTLA: Caught on Audio: 9-Year-Old Girl Calls 911 as Burglar Breaks into Her Orange County Home
• Jobaaj: SAVE Act – Millions at Risk of Losing Their Vote
• LA Times: Noncitizen Voting and Republicans