Speech #1020190704

Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act provides them access to the process by taking down the language barriers that would otherwise prevent them from participating. Section 203 requires counties and localities to provide bilingual registration and voting assistance il more than 5 percent of voting age citizens need such assistance. The measure improves section 203 by closing a significant loophole which has caused thousands of otherwise eligible Immigrants to be exempt from coverage. In very densely populated cities and counties. there may be thousands of Immigrants In need of services under section 203. but If. despite their large number. they make up less than 5 percent of the population of the locality. they will not be covered. This bill would add as an alternate measure of applicability a numerical benchmark of 10.000 people in a locality In need of assistance. This new benchmark would mean that In many of our Nations cities where there might be thousands of first generation Americans who have not mastered the English language. but these thousands make up less than 5 percent of the voting age population. people who need language assistance to participate In the voting process would be able to receive this assistance and fully partake of their rights as citizens of the United States. Section 203 Is a wonderful example of the democratic process at work. In our country we accept Immigrants from almost any country and Introduce them to the democratic system at work. And in some counties and cities we must take extra steps to ensure that these new Americans can participate fully In the process. Section 203 has had great success at opening the doors to the voting process for these American citizens who may speak Spanish.