Spanish Language Services Amiss for Voters in Liberty County for Georgia Primaries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2024
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Spanish Language Services Amiss for Voters in Liberty County for Georgia Primaries
Poll Monitors Observed Many Polling Places Were Missing Legally Mandated Materials
LIBERTY, Georgia – Bilingual poll monitors from organizations defending the rights of Latinos found that all polling sites in Liberty County lacked either Spanish-language ballots, signs, or assistance during yesterday’s primary elections, as mandated by voting rights laws.
As part of the voter protection and program Cada Voto Cuenta, 26 poll monitors in total from civil rights organization LatinoJustice PRLDEF and grassroots Latino organization Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights: (GLAHR) visited 12 polling sites in Liberty County on primary election day.
Poll monitors found that Spanish-language materials and assistance were needed in precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, an access that is guaranteed by section 4(e) of the Voting Rights Act. The section mandates that all information that is provided to voters in English be provided in Spanish to voters who are non-English speakers. According to the monitors all the polling locations in Liberty County did not have any Spanish language materials in the morning. Poll monitors also mentioned that voting centers provide Spanish sample ballots and flyers later in the afternoon only after GLAHR and LatinoJustice monitors pointed out the need for the materials.
"In this incredibly important election year, it’s crucial for all voters including English limited voters to have access to the polls to ensure their voice is heard at the ballot box,” said Isabelle C. Muhlbauer, National Advocate Manager for Voting Rights at LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “Language access has been at the core of our work, and we plan to continue to grow that legacy to ensure every eligible voter in the state and beyond can exercise their right to vote. Voting is a fundamental right, and Liberty County officials must ensure Spanish-language resources, assistance and materials on Election Day and year-round.”
Spanish speaking voters in Liberty County first obtained in-language resources in December 2020 which was made possible by the advocacy of several voting rights organizations, including LatinoJustice PRLDEF.
Cada Voto Cuenta is a non-partisan poll monitoring and voter protection program started by LatinoJustice in 2016. The program recruits and trains bilingual volunteers to monitor polling places and identify obstacles and compliance issues at polling sites that hinder the ability of Non-English-Speaking Latinos to vote. This year, the program will operate during primary and general elections in Florida, Georgia, New York and Pennsylvania.
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About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org