Padilla, Williams Push for Increased Ballot Box Access

August 20, 2025

On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Senator Alex Padilla introduced two bills to expand voting access: the Sustaining Our Democracy Act and the Expanding the VOTE Act. The Sustaining Our Democracy Act aims to fund improvements in election administration, secure voting systems, recruit poll workers, and increase voter access for underserved communities. Meanwhile, the Expanding the VOTE Act, co-led by Representative Nikema Williams, would ensure translated voting materials for the nearly 68 million U.S. residents who speak languages other than English.

Who is affected

Nearly 68 million U.S. residents who speak a language other than English
Underserved and Tribal communities
Eligible voters across the country
Poll workers

What action is being taken

Senator Alex Padilla is introducing the Sustaining Our Democracy Act
Representative Nikema Williams is leading the Expanding the VOTE Act in the House
Lawmakers are advocating for expanded voting access on the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

Why it matters

The bills address what lawmakers describe as "an alarming surge of attacks on voting rights" across the country
The legislation aims to ensure all eligible Americans can participate in democracy regardless of language or location
The initiatives would provide resources for election infrastructure and language access
The measures seek to protect what Rep. Williams calls "the fundamental right to vote"

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint