Plain Language Summary
# VOTE Act Summary The **VOTE Act** (HR 2054) would require U.S. states to conduct federal elections using English-only ballots in order to receive federal election funding. If passed, the bill would eliminate current requirements under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that mandate certain states and jurisdictions provide ballots and voting materials in multiple languages for voters with limited English proficiency. This would affect millions of voters nationwide, particularly non-English speakers and immigrant communities in areas currently required to offer multilingual ballots. The bill's key provision is straightforward: states that provide ballots in any language besides English would lose access to federal election administration funds.
This would effectively pressure states to stop multilingual voting assistance, as losing federal funding would create significant financial strain on election administration. The bill also repeals existing federal protections requiring language assistance in elections. **Current Status:** The bill remains in committee and has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House. It represents a significant shift from current federal voting rights law, which has prioritized language accessibility since 1975 to ensure non-English speakers can participate in elections.
CRS Official Summary
Voting Only Through English Act or the VOTE ActThis bill requires states to use English-only ballots to qualify for certain federal election funds. It also repeals a prohibition on English-only federal elections and eliminates language assistance provisions under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). (The VRA requires some jurisdictions to provide materials such as ballots and registration information in English and in other covered languages for voters whose English proficiency is limited. The bill removes these requirements.)Specifically, the bill prohibits a state from receiving federal election administration funds if the state provides ballots for a federal election that include text in any language other than English.
Latest Action
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.