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July 24 Summit to Examine Language Access for Voters

Advisory Notice

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MEDIA ADVISORY:
Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Washington, DC – The U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Arizona State University Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service, and Democracy Fund Voice will host the third annual Language Access for Voters Summit at the Newseum’s Knight Conference Center at on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, in Washington, DC. The event will convene state and local election officials, advocates and stakeholders from language communities to discuss critical issues of language accessibility.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20% of Americans speak a foreign language at home. Among those citizens are voters who may want or need language assistance such as having their ballot or other election materials in their native language. Across the nation, federal law requires more than 260 jurisdictions to provide some type of language assistance for voters. Next week’s summit will bring together election officials, government leaders, voting rights groups, and other experts to meet and share information about the best ways to serve these voters. Summit panelists will include experts representing Asian American, Latino, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and additional language communities from across the country.

The Summit’s agenda includes discussions about demographic changes, the Section 203 designation process, federal requirements under the Voting Rights Act, voluntary and proactive language assistance, as well as strategies for cost-effective services. Participants will also highlight how emerging trends in election administration, such as the spread of vote centers and new election technologies, are impacting language access. The summit aims to share information, as well as generate new understanding and appreciation between various stakeholder communities.

This event is open to press and the public. Click here to register. To request an interview, please contact Brenda Bowser Soder at [email protected] or 202-897-9285.

WHAT:        Language Access for Voters Summit
WHERE:    Newseum’s Knight Conference Center, 7th Floor
WHEN:      9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Tuesday, July 24, 2018 (Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.)
WHO:        View the agenda here
RSVP:        Click here to register. All press are encouraged to RSVP to reserve space and ensure access to audio and camera space.

Keywords
accessibility, advisory, language, media, summit, voter