Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads 118 Colleagues in Breaking Down Barriers to the Ballot Box

Press Release

On Friday, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led 118 of her House Democratic colleagues in introducing the Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act (Expanding the VOTE Act). This legislation supports jurisdictions in their efforts to help everyone vote, no matter their English-language proficiency.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus said:

"English-only elections are modern-day literacy tests, plain and simple. Our democracy requires every voice be heard on Election Day. We saw how powerful that is in the 2020 election when a multi-racial, multi-ethnic coalition showed up to vote in Georgia and changed the history of America. But far too often, similar voters across the country are unable to participate in our democracy due to English-only election materials. That is why Congress must make voting materials accessible for every constituent. The Expanding the VOTE Act will remove barriers to the ballot box so everyone can participate in our democracy--no matter your ZIP Code, no matter what language you speak."

Joining Congresswoman Williams in leading this legislation are Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Judy Chu (CA-27), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Terri A. Sewell (AL-07).

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Dr. Raul Ruiz said:

"Our democracy is strongest when every voice can be heard. With over 41.7 million Spanish-speakers in the United States, it is crucial that we ensure that election materials are accessible for all. That is why, as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), I support the Expanding the VOTE Act to empower jurisdictions to meet the language needs of their populations, including Latinos."

Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus said:

"Over the years we have seen a tremendous increase in AAPI voter turnout -- and it is encouraging to see members of our community showing up in droves to the ballot box and making their voices heard. However, for many, including the one-third of the AAPI community that is limited English proficient (LEP), language barriers create additional challenges and can often deter individuals from participating in our democracy. The Expanding the VOTE Act would strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by ensuring jurisdictions have the resources needed to meet the language needs of every community. Congress has a duty to act to further bolster democratic participation and protect this foundational right bestowed to every American citizen."

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