LWV-Salem fully supports the City of Salem providing Spanish-language interpretation to assist voters.
The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) has long supported language assistance to voters as required by the US Voting Rights Act (see "History" below). This assistance relates to written materials (ballots).
The League of Women Voters of Salem (LWVS) believes that the City of Salem providing interpretation services to its residents, whether they are voting or interacting with city government, is a laudable act of a government and responsible to the needs of its people. We hope to see the City continue to provide interpretation services, especially at the polls, and will support efforts to expand services. LWVS looks forward to working with the City and all of our partners in the community to enhance the ability of all residents to vote and interact with their government in an effective and satisfying manner. LWVS sees this position as in keeping with the tone set by the LWVUS position.
History
The LWVUS has supported the inclusion of language minorities in the protections of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). These protections pertain to election materials (ballots).
In 1975, the League was part of a successful coalition effort to extend the VRA and expand its coverage to language minorities.
In 1992, the League successfully sought re-authorization of the language assistance provision for an additional 15 years.
In 2006, the League sponsored a major public initiative to support the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006.