California expands voting access for Latino immigrants
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Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, signed SB 1360 into law, aiming to make voting more accessible to residents with limited English proficiency.
The law responds to California’s diverse population, where over 43% of households speak a language other than English. More than three million voters, over 12% of the state’s electorate, have limited English proficiency.
Researchers previously found a connection between translated election materials and increased voter participation, and the new law prioritizes removing administrative barriers to free and informed voting. California officials will now be required to provide translated election materials in counties with at least 10,000 potential voters or where 5% of residents have limited English skills and share a common language.
The law mandates translation of official ballots for both in-person and mail-in voting, sample ballots, voter registration forms, and public education materials. From January 1, 2027, election officials will also offer assistance in languages already covered under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Secretary of State will publish a list of affected counties by December 15, 2031, and every six years after that.
