Elections: translation of election materials.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Passed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill requires California counties to provide election materials, such as ballots and voter registration forms, in languages other than English if a significant number of residents are limited English proficient or belong to a single language minority group. It mandates that the Secretary of State identify these areas and ensure translated materials are available, including ballots, voter registration forms, and election notices. The bill also includes provisions for bilingual election workers and conforming changes to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act.
Key provisions
- Requires the Secretary of State to identify counties with significant numbers of limited English proficient residents or single language minority groups.
- Mandates translation of ballots, voter registration forms, and election notices into languages meeting identified community needs.
- Requires counties to provide bilingual election workers to assist voters.
- Updates sections of the Elections Code to align with the federal Voting Rights Act.
- Includes conforming changes to various sections of the Elections Code.
- Establishes a process for political subdivisions to request translation of election materials if needed.
- Requires the Secretary of State to provide election-related forms, instructions, assistance, or other materials or services in identified political subdivisions in any language that meets the criteria.
- Creates a state-mandated local program to ensure compliance with the bill's requirements.
Bill text
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