Chapter 9Native American Voters

Section § 2700

Explanation

The law requires the creation of a Native American Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee by the Secretary of State to enhance election accessibility for Native American voters. This committee advises on election material accessibility, public announcements, voter registration, and recruitment of Native American poll workers. Members must have voting rights experience or be election officials. They won't be paid, but their necessary expenses will be covered.

The committee's duties include promoting plain language in election materials, advising on language assistance, ensuring election materials are accessible, recommending training for poll workers, and forming subcommittees for deeper engagement.

(a)CA Elections Code § 2700(a) The Secretary of State shall establish a Native American Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee. The Secretary of State shall consult with the committee to consider the committee’s recommendations related to improving the accessibility of elections for Native American voters. The Secretary of State may implement the committee’s recommendations as appropriate.
(b)CA Elections Code § 2700(b) The committee shall consist of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State’s designees, and additional members appointed by the Secretary of State. Each appointee shall have demonstrated experience with voting rights or be a county elections official.
(c)CA Elections Code § 2700(c) The committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of State and shall do all of the following:
(1)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(1) Establish guidelines for reaching as many Native American voters as practical.
(2)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(2) Make recommendations for improving the availability and accessibility of election materials, including, but not limited to, state voter information guides, county voter information guides, and vote-by-mail ballots, and their delivery in print or alternative formats to Native American voters.
(3)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(3) Make recommendations for the distribution of public service announcements identifying the availability of election materials for Native American voters with at least 45 days before any federal, state, and local election.
(4)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(4) Promote to Native American voters the Secretary of State’s toll-free voter registration telephone line for citizens needing voter registration information.
(5)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(5) Make recommendations for providing Native American voters with information regarding voter registration and voting processes, and voting rights.
(6)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(6) Make recommendations to improve the recruitment of Native American poll workers.
(7)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(7) Establish subcommittees to further the scope and purposes of the committee as they relate to improving voter services and access for Native American voters.
(8)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(8) Make recommendations for providing information and services to Native American voters regarding language assistance.
(9)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(9) Promote the use of plain language and alternative formats for election materials distributed to Native American voters.
(10)CA Elections Code § 2700(c)(10) Make recommendations for materials to train poll workers on issues related to serving Native American voters.
(d)CA Elections Code § 2700(d) A member shall not receive compensation, but each member shall be reimbursed for the member’s reasonable and necessary expenses in connection with service on the committee.
Native American voting election accessibility voter registration poll worker recruitment election materials accessibility public service announcements language assistance voting rights Secretary of State advisory committee Native American communication alternative formats election materials delivery voter education poll worker training subcommittees
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 124, Sec. 25. (AB 938) Effective January 1, 2022.)