Asian American Communities Hail the Expansion Of Language Access For Limited English Proficient Voters, Call For Further Improvements
Washington,
D.C.
— December 9, 2021 —The Census Bureau updated determinations pursuant to the
federal Voting Rights Act, designating Section 203 covered jurisdictions where
elections officials are required to provide bilingual voting assistance to
Asian Americans, Latines, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives.
Asian
Americans Advancing Justice affiliate organizations in California, Illinois,
and Washington, D.C. issue a statement about the newly released determinations:
“The expansion
of Section 203 coverage reflects the diversity and rapid growth of the Asian
American community, which has for decades been the fastest growing racial group
in the U.S. Asian Americans Advancing Justice welcome new language coverage,
including two newly covered jurisdictions now in Minnesota and Pennsylvania,
where translation of ballots and other election materials in Asian languages
will be required for the first time. Section 203 now covers 53 jurisdictions in
32 localities in 14 states for 8 different Asian language groups.
Despite our
population growth, Asian American communities continue to face disparities in
voter registration and voter turn-out, but this is changing. Asian American
voters are a notable part of an increased turn-out among voters of color.
Improved language access, coverage, and compliance with Section 203 will help
change disparities in voter participation.
Charles
Evans, Supervising Attorney at Advancing Justice - Los Angeles: “Section 203 enables
the Asian American community to participate more fully in American democracy.
Without these essential protections, millions would be unable to read or
understand election materials and would be unable to vote. Studies show that 1
in 3 Asian Americans is limited English proficient, and that when language
assistance is available, Asian American voters use such assistance to cast
their ballots.”
Terry
Ao Minnis, Senior Director of Census and Voting Programs at Advancing Justice –
AAJC:
“We are ready to assist voters and elections officials, as Section 203
requirements are implemented across the country, in new and old covered
jurisdictions in upcoming elections. The Voting Rights Act, inclusive of
Section 203, provides legally enforceable rights to limited English proficient
voters. We are also eager to work with local jurisdictions to find innovative
ways to improve bilingual voter access.”
Julia
Marks, Program Manager, Voting Rights and Census at Advancing Justice – ALC: “Even with the new
Section 203 coverage, we can do better. Millions of voters with limited English
proficiency and who may not live in dense population centers are out of luck.
Their numbers may not meet the federal population threshold for Section 203
coverage, so we continue to call for solutions, including at the state and
local level, that serve all residents.”
Grace
Pai, Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago: “Advancing Justice
urges all jurisdictions to take steps to ensure language access and justice for
all voters, including LEP voters, in their communities. We encourage states,
counties, and localities to take the initiative necessary to do what is right
in serving their populations. For example, Cook County, IL has passed its own
ordinance to expand coverage; California has expanded coverage with its own
statute CA 14201; and DeKalb County, GA and Cobb County, GA also voluntarily
provided access to Asian language translation services recently.”
To assist
voters and elections officials, Advancing Justice has produced
a factsheet on the new Section 203 coverage and impact on Asian Americans.
Voters who believe their rights have been violated or want more information can
call 1-888-API-Vote (888-274-8683).
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