Bill · H.R. 4917· House(119-HR-4917)

Expanding the VOTE Act

Age: 48 years

Georgia

Introduced: 8/5/2025
Last activity: 8/5/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsored by: Nikema Williams
Cosponsors: - 72 - 0

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill is known as the Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act or the Expanding the VOTE Act. It updates the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to change requirements for language translations during elections. The bill clarifies what counts as voting materials and requires states that provide these materials to follow the same rules as political subdivisions. It outlines specific translation rules for American Indian and Alaska Native languages as well as other unwritten minority languages. Additionally, the bill creates a grant program to help pay for providing voting materials in languages not currently covered by certain sections of the law. Finally, it requires a government study on the impact of lowering certain population thresholds and adding new languages like Arabic, French, and Haitian Creole.

Yes· 3 of 7

Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?+7
The bill facilitates easier access to voting materials through digital updates and support for unwritten languages via oral instruction.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically addresses provisions for American Indian and Alaska Native languages, including oral translation requirements.
Does this protect the right to vote?+6
The bill expands the definition of voting materials and provides grants to help jurisdictions provide materials in minority languages.