SLO County Clerk-Recorder's Office Faces Scrutiny Over SAVE Act Statement

Some question if the county violated laws against using public resources to disparage or promote proposed legislation.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:22am

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A warm, cinematic painting of a government office building with deep shadows and diagonal sunlight, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of political decisions.The SLO County Clerk-Recorder's Office faces scrutiny over its statement on the proposed SAVE Act, raising questions about the use of public resources for political purposes.San Luis Obispo Today

The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office posted a statement about the proposed SAVE Act that some local attorneys found legally questionable, as it appears to parrot Democratic talking points while leaving out Republican arguments. County Counsel Jon Ansolabehere, however, defended the statement as an impartial FAQ regarding the proposed legislation.

Why it matters

The SAVE Act, if passed, would require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The Clerk-Recorder's statement has raised concerns about the potential use of public resources to influence the political debate around the proposed law.

The details

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, is a bill that would prohibit states from accepting and processing voter registration applications for federal elections unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The SLO County Clerk-Recorder's Office posted a statement providing details on the proposed legislation, which some local attorneys found legally questionable as it focused on Democratic talking points while leaving out Republican arguments.

  • The SAVE Act was moving through the legislative process when the Clerk-Recorder's statement was posted.
  • The statement was released recently, as the proposed legislation has been featured prominently in the news.

The players

Elaina Cano

The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder.

Jon Ansolabehere

The San Luis Obispo County Counsel, who defended the Clerk-Recorder's statement as an impartial FAQ.

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What they’re saying

“Our office reviewed the statement issued by the Clerk Recorder's Office. The statement is an impartial FAQ regarding the proposed SAVE Act and is not advocacy.”

— Jon Ansolabehere, San Luis Obispo County Counsel

What’s next

The legality of the Clerk-Recorder's statement and the potential use of public resources to influence the political debate around the SAVE Act will likely continue to be a topic of discussion and scrutiny in the local community.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the use of public resources for political purposes, as well as the importance of impartiality and transparency in government communications, especially on issues that are highly contentious and politically charged.