A representative of the League of Women Voters of Warren County addressed county officials Wednesday, voicing concerns about voter confusion amid ongoing national debates over election laws.

Speaking during public comment at the Warren County Commissioners meeting, Susan Stout warned that increasing controversy surrounding voting laws could have negative consequences.

“We’re concerned that controversy about voting will confuse voters, making elections more difficult and reducing citizen confidence,” said Stout.

Her remarks referenced the proposed federal legislation of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, also known as the SAVE Act or SAVE America Act.

Although it has not passed in the U.S. Senate, the bill has drawn national attention for potential changes to voter ID requirements. The SAVE Act would require all citizens registering to vote or updating their registration information to provide documentation of citizenship in person. For most people, this would mean reporting to an election office with a passport or birth certificate. This would eliminate the use of online and mail registration, where the majority of voter registration is done today.

The goal of this bill is to ensure only U.S. citizens are voting in federal elections.

Stout also cited recent presidential executive orders, including one issued in March that she says “impose many new restrictions on voter registration, identification, and mail-in voting.”

Stout praised the county’s Board of Elections for monitoring these developments and assisting voters. She encouraged officials to issue a public statement clarifying that no changes to voter identification or mail-in voting procedures will affect the upcoming primary election. She also suggested posting such information at polling locations and reminding residents of key registration and mail ballot deadlines.

Additionally, Stout proposed that county officials communicate with federal representatives to express opposition to what she described as “confusing and expensive” proposed changes.

She concluded by asking whether there has ever been a case of voter fraud charged or convicted in Warren County, suggesting that such information could further inform the public.

In response, Solicitor Nathaniel Schmidt said they are aware of the recent executive orders and are closely following related litigation. He also said they do not expect any legal developments tied to the 2026 order to impact the May primary election.

Schmidt emphasized that, regardless of potential future changes, the upcoming primary will proceed under existing procedures.

“Warren County voters can plan to vote in the primary in May as they always have,” Schmidt said.