Bill Overview
Title: Expanding the VOTE Act
Description: This bill expands access to voting materials for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language, including by establishing incentive grants for states and political subdivisions to provide translated voting materials. Additionally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study the impact of (1) reducing the threshold requirement under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and (2) expanding the definition of language minorities to include native speakers of additional languages.
Sponsors: Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Target Audience
Population: People globally with limited proficiency in English
Estimated Size: 25500000
- Many non-English speakers face barriers in accessing voting materials.
- The bill aims to increase the accessibility of voting materials for individuals who do not have proficient English abilities.
- Translated voting materials will help ensure that language barriers do not obstruct democratic participation.
- The bill includes incentive grants for states and political subdivisions, which may lead to widespread implementation and thus impact a large group of the population with limited English proficiency.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a population of 25.5 million individuals in the U.S. with limited English proficiency, according to American Community Survey estimates. Given the budget constraints, the policy might directly impact a considerable portion of this population by enabling more accessible voting through translation services.
- The Cantril Wellbeing Scores are utilized because they reflect the subjective, self-reported perceptions of wellbeing and life satisfaction, which might be improved by enhanced civic engagement opportunities.
- It's anticipated that the policy would reduce stress and increase political participation, particularly among non-English speakers, thereby potentially increasing their wellbeing over years.
- The budget of $386 million over 10 years suggests a sustainable impact that could grow over decades, though initial impacts might be moderate to low due to complex implementation logistics.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Supervisor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will help me understand voting materials better.
- I always felt I couldn't fully participate because of language issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Construction Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope with this, I can vote and understand what I'm voting for.
- It's frustrating when you can't participate in important decisions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Community Organizer (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is important for empowering our community, especially the older members.
- I plan to help distribute these materials if they become available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
College Student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's my first time voting, and I want to understand the process clearly.
- I feel less anxious knowing I might have translated materials.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Homemaker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I rely on my husband for translations, but I want to do it myself.
- The policy could make me more independent in participating in elections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retiree (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I find it hard to understand much of what's written on voting forms.
- A translation would help me feel more confident in casting my vote.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could really help my family and friends participate more fully.
- I've seen people avoid voting because they can't understand.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
High School Student (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Voting should be accessible for all, including my parents.
- Translated materials would definitely help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
IT Specialist (Charlotte, NC)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might not impact me directly, but it would help my family.
- I think it's an essential step to more inclusive elections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Volunteer (Portland, OR)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I already have access to voting materials, I support this policy for others.
- Language should never be a barrier in democracy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $47000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $49000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $58000000 (Low: $53000000, High: $68000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The potential scalability of grant needs depending on state demands for translated materials.
- The success in reducing language barriers in voting can affect voter turnout, especially among minority groups.
- The ongoing assessment and potential adjustment of language thresholds could require policy amendments.