Bill
SB 1360
SB 1360 would require translation of key election materials into needed languages in areas with significant LEP populations, expanding language access.
SB 1360 (Cervantes) — Elections: translation of election materials
Session: 2025-2026 | Jurisdiction: California
Overview
SB 1360 would expand and formalize requirements for translating election materials into languages beyond English in California. Building on federal (Voting Rights Act) obligations, the bill establishes annual and post-2028 processes to identify subdivisions with substantial limited-English-proficient (LEP) populations and mandates translation of voter materials, with broader language coverage if there is demonstrated need. It also strengthens language access in election administration, voter registration, and election logistics.
Purpose and intent
- Ensure non-English-speaking voters receive translated official materials and language assistance in elections.
- Align state practice with federal requirements and with state-level determinations of LEP populations and language needs.
- Increase availability of bilingual staffing and translated forms to facilitate voter participation.
Key provisions and changes
1) Annual LEP language identification and translation obligation
- By December 15, 2028 and every year ending in 1 or 6 thereafter, the Secretary of State must identify counties and political subdivisions where at least 5,000 LEP voters or 5% of voting-age residents are:
- members of a single language minority or
- speak a shared language.
- In identified areas, elections officials must translate official and sample ballots, voter registration forms, election notices, and instructions into any language meeting those criteria.
- The state requires sufficient bilingual election workers to provide language assistance.
2) Translation scope and applicability
- If the identified subdivision has a language need, translated materials must cover all official and sample ballots, voter registration forms, and election notices/instructions.
- If state-provided election-related forms or services exist in the identified area, these must be translated into the applicable languages.
- The Secretary of State may require translations for languages beyond the identified criteria if a strong public interest or evidence of significant need exists.
3) Conforming and implementation requirements
- Adds and adjusts numerous references across the Elections Code to reflect expanded translation duties and related processes.
- Creates a framework for interagency cooperation (department and Secretary of State) on data exchange and translation duties.
- Requires bilingual election workers and language-access provisions at vote centers and ballot drop-off locations.
4) Local and state-mandated program considerations
- By increasing duties on local election officials, the bill states that there is a state-mandated local program and outlines reimbursement considerations if the Commission on State Mandates determines costs are state-m mandated.
5) Related procedural enhancements
- Requires translations of department-originated election forms or services in identified subdivisions.
- Authorizes translation requirements to be expanded if substantial demonstrated need is presented to the Secretary of State.
Potential impact
- Expanded language coverage for voters in California, potentially increasing access for LEP communities.
- Increased costs and administrative responsibilities for counties and local election officials, including creating and maintaining translated materials, hiring or training bilingual staff, and updating outreach plans.
- Enhanced accessibility at vote centers, with language signage, translated materials, and multilingual voter assistance hotlines.
Timeline and fiscal note
- Implementations and translations would begin in identified areas following annual determinations (with the first comprehensive determinations due by December 15, 2028, and every year ending in 1 or 6 thereafter).
- The bill is expected to involve state mandates on local jurisdictions; reimbursement provisions are aligned with existing state mandate procedures if applicable.
Who is affected
- State: Secretary of State and Department (for interagency data sharing and policy guidance).
- Local governments and county elections officials: translation duties, staff training, voter education planning, and outreach requirements.
- Voters: improved access and information in non-English languages where criteria are met.
- Language minority communities and voters with disabilities (via accessible formats and bilingual staffing).
Note: This summary focuses on substantive provisions and practical impacts based on the bill’s text and digest.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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