The Expanding the VOTE Act would update language-access rules for elections. It would define voting materials to include printed and digital information about the electoral process. States that provide materials to a local area covered by language-access rules would also have to follow those rules. The Attorney General would notify jurisdictions that are close to the current coverage thresholds.
For covered language groups, election materials would generally need to be provided in English and the group's language. If an American Indian or Alaska Native language is unwritten, or its Tribal government says it does not want written translations, the jurisdiction would provide oral language help instead. The bill would also require written translations for election workers, with Tribal government consent where applicable.
The Election Assistance Commission would offer grants to help jurisdictions provide election materials in languages that do not meet current coverage thresholds. A jurisdiction that receives a grant would generally have to keep providing those materials in later election cycles. The bill would authorize $15 million for these grants. It would also direct the Comptroller General to study possible changes to coverage thresholds and which languages are included, and report findings to Congress within one year of enactment.
If enacted, the bill could expand language assistance for voters in jurisdictions covered by the rules or receiving a grant. It also addresses oral help for some voters who speak unwritten languages. The bill has been referred to House committees and is not described as enacted.
The bill authorizes $15 million for grants, available until spent. It does not state how much any one jurisdiction would receive. No publicly available information is provided about other costs.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.