All or part of 30 states require election materials in a non-English language

About 8.4% of the US speaks English less than “very well,” according to the Census Bureau in 2022. For otherwise-eligible voters, a lack of English proficiency can present a challenge to participating in the electoral process.

In 1975, Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act increased voting access for non-English speakers who had historically been excluded from the political process, with a focus on Spanish, Asian, Native American, and Alaskan Native language-speakers — but with particular requirements that mean that not every locality is required to comply.

Thirty states are required to provide non-English voting materials in at least one locality. Of the 20 states not required to do so, Oregon and North Carolina had the highest proportions of residents who spoke English “less than very well” at 5.5% and 4.8%, respectively, and Washington, DC, had a rate of 5.1%. West Virginia (0.8%) and Montana (1.1%) had the lowest proportions of residents who spoke English “less than very well.”

Of the 43 counties nationwide home to more than one language minority group, six are in California. As of the latest Section 203 determination in 2021, Los Angeles County had the most groups, with six meeting the thresholds: Cambodian, Chinese (including Taiwanese), Filipino, Hispanic, Korean, and Vietnamese.