Often stereotyped as a bastion of conservatism, Orange County does not fit the profile when it comes to social issues, according to UC Irvine's 2000 Orange County Annual Survey. Sixty-two percent say gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the military. Sixty-three percent say the government does not do enough to regulate access to guns. Sixty-two percent say stricter environmental laws are worth the cost. Respondents are divided on whether to spend a federal budget surplus for a tax cut or social programs.
Orange County is conservative on fiscal issues, but liberal on social issues.
What this indicates is that many people distrust government, and they want as little government as possible in their daily lives. Thus, they're both reluctant to raise taxes and to have government involved in regulating abortions. Statewide Survey conducted in January, but one in four local residents say they are somewhat or very liberal. However they describe their political orientation, Orange County residents don't have a tremendous amount of interest in politics. Latinos are about evenly divided, with 46 percent saying government should not interfere and 49 percent wanting the government to pass more laws that restrict the availability of abortion.