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: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals with limited proficiency in the English language
Estimated Size: 25000000
- The bill targets individuals with limited English proficiency, specifically those who need translated voting materials to participate in elections.
- There are approximately 77 million people in the United States over the age of 5 who speak a language other than English at home, according to U.S. Census data.
- Out of these, approximately 25 million of these individuals are considered to have limited English proficiency.
- The bill also indirectly affects all citizens by promoting inclusive democratic practices.
- Globally, language minorities are found in every country, so any similar international legislation would have a broad impact.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to benefit approximately 25 million individuals in the U.S. with limited English proficiency by providing translated voting materials, thereby promoting greater democratic inclusion.
- Individuals who do not speak English as their first language and have limited proficiency can face challenges when engaging in the electoral process, such as understanding complex voting materials.
- The policy’s budget of $150 million in year 1 and $1.56 billion over 10 years limits the scope of implementation, requiring prioritization based on factors such as population density and diversity of language needs in different states.
- Some people not directly impacted by the policy, such as those already proficient in English, might still benefit indirectly through a more inclusive and representative electoral process.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to translated materials will help me understand the voting process better.
- I often feel left out during elections because I can't fully grasp the English materials.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've missed voting because I couldn't understand the ballots.
- Translations would make me feel more included in the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy will be beneficial, although I personally do not need translations.
- A diverse community with accessible voting can encourage participation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've struggled to fully participate in elections due to language barriers.
- Translated materials will empower my community and me.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Nurse (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The importance of understanding voting materials cannot be overstated.
- This policy offers a chance for my voice to be truly heard.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't need these translations myself, I think they are crucial for a fair political system.
- I want my community to have equal footing in political participation.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Understanding voting instructions is always challenging and stressful for me.
- Any translated support is welcome and necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Domestic Worker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to voting is a constant issue not just because of language, but my lack of formal education.
- This policy would likely lead to better community resources and understanding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Programs that promote inclusivity, even if I don't personally need them, are vital for societal cohesion.
- This policy is beneficial for the democratic process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Community Organizer (Newark, NJ)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy supports my advocacy work for fair electoral access.
- Although I am bilingual, many in my community are not and need these resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $170000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 100: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates assume full participation by states and political subdivisions in the grant program to provide translated materials.
- There may be political or logistical barriers that affect how quickly the program can be implemented, which could affect cost projections.
- The actual number of individuals benefitting could vary depending on local uptake and the accuracy of current estimates of individuals with limited English proficiency.