Advocates push for language access in elections across the US

In recent years, advocates across the United States have been working to improve language access in elections, particularly for citizens who are not fluent in English. Lin, who founded the Asian Community Development Council in Nevada, has been instrumental in providing translated voting materials and information on how to register and vote. This initiative is crucial as the number of individuals speaking languages other than English at home has significantly increased from 44 million in 2000 to approximately 68 million in 2019. The Voting Rights Act mandates that local governments offer language assistance when a certain percentage of the population has limited English proficiency. In Clark County, Nevada, where nearly 94% of limited-English households reside, the law currently requires election materials to be available in Spanish and Filipino. Advocates are pushing for a bill to lower the population threshold for translated materials, which would benefit the Chinese-speaking community in the area. Despite the push for language access, there are opposing views. Some argue that English should remain the official language and that voters should be able to read ballots in English. This sentiment is echoed in states like Iowa, where there has been a long-standing debate over providing voter registration forms in both English and Spanish. Advocates argue that offering assistance in multiple languages is a minor governmental burden that can significantly enhance voter participation. Ultimately, the efforts of these advocates aim to foster a sense of belonging among immigrants and ensure that all citizens can participate fully in the democratic process. By making voting accessible in various languages, they hope to strengthen the fabric of American democracy and promote inclusivity.