FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2023

California Secretary of State Calling for Volunteers to Serve on the State’s Language Accessibility and Voting Accessibility Advisory Committees


SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Secretary of State is calling for volunteers to serve as committee members on its Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) and Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) for the 2024-2025 term. These committees play a pivotal role in ensuring that all Californians, irrespective of language proficiency or disability, have equal access to the voting process. The deadline for applications to both committees is November 10, 2023. 

The Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC):


Established pursuant to California Elections Code section 2600, the LAAC's mission is to advise and assist the Secretary of State’s office with a robust language access program. The committee assists voters with limited-English proficiency so they can participate fully in the electoral process, supports the implementation of federal and state laws related to language accessibility, makes recommendations regarding programs and policies and reviews translated material for accuracy.

LAAC responsibilities include:
 
  • - Offering language accessibility expertise.
  • - Advocating for language accessibility initiatives
  • - Addressing queries from the Secretary of State regarding language issues.

More information about LAAC can be found on the Secretary of State’s web site Language Accessibility Advisory Committee page.

LAAC Application Procedure: 


Details about applications to serve on the LAAC can be found on the Secretary of State’s LAAC website under Request for Applicants.

Applications can be emailed to LAAC@sos.ca.gov or sent by mail to:

Secretary of State
Language Accessibility Advisory Committee
1500 11th Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

The Voter Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC):
 

Established pursuant to California Elections Code section 2053, the VAAC's mission is to advise, assist, and provide recommendations to the Secretary of State’s office regarding the implementation of federal and state laws, ensuring every registered voter can vote independently and privately.

VAAC responsibilities include:
 
  • - Framing guidelines for reaching out to voters with disabilities.
  • - Recommending enhancements in the accessibility and availability of election materials.
  • - Disseminating public service announcements.
  • - Making web accessibility recommendations.
  • - Promoting voter hotlines.
  • - Highlighting state and local library services for voters with disabilities.
  • - Providing suggestions for enhancing access and participation.
  • - Endorsing the use of plain language and alternative formats.
  • - Proposing training for poll workers.

More information about VAAC can be found on the Secretary of State’s web site Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee page.

VAAC Application Procedure:
 

Details about applications to serve on the VAAC can be found on the Secretary of State’s VAAC website under Request for Applicants.

Applications can be emailed to VAAC@sos.ca.gov or sent by mail to:

Secretary of State
Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee
1500 11th Street, 5th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Appointments to both committees will be announced in December 2023.

###

Contact
SOS Press Office
SOSPress@sos.ca.gov