Californians speak over 200 different languages and have fought for language protections at the ballot box. No matter what language we use, we should be able to have a say in the decisions that shape our lives.
While the Asian Law Caucus and our partners are advocating for expanded language protections, many California voters can already get language assistance while voting.
Quick Tips
- If you vote in person, ask the staff at your polling place or vote center what materials they have available in your preferred language. Also, ask if any staff speak your preferred language or if they have a hotline staffed with bilingual workers.
- If you vote by mail, go online to voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to indicate your preferred language. If translated materials are available for your area, they will be mailed to you for free.
- Registered voters may mail their ballot in, drop it off, or vote in person. Find more information on how to submit your ballot.
Getting Free Translated Voting Materials in the Mail
For the November 2024 election, registered voters will automatically get a ballot in the mail. Depending on the language you use and where you live, you may also be able to get translated materials in the mail.
A translated ballot, a translated reference ballot (sometimes called a sample or facsimile ballot), and/or a translated county voter information guide may be available for voters in your county. A reference ballot is a translated example ballot that will help you understand your English ballot. You cannot actually vote on it. Any materials available will be sent to you for free.
- To receive translated election materials in the mail, you will need to tell your county your preferred language:
To find out what materials are available to you and to request translated materials, call your county elections office using the number listed in our Language Access Flyer. - You can also go online to voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to indicate your preferred language. Do this by October 21 to get translated materials in time for the election.
Language Assistance When Voting In Person
There are ways to receive language assistance at your polling place or vote center. Bilingual poll workers should be wearing a badge, ribbon, or sticker identifying which languages they speak. If there are no bilingual poll workers who can assist you, ask poll workers if there is a hotline staffed by bilingual workers that you can call.
You are allowed to bring up to two people, such as a family member or friend, to help you vote as long as those people do not represent your employer or union.
Your county may also have translated ballots available in your language. The fact sheets provided below include a chart that lists what each county provides at its polling places or vote centers.
More information on language assistance can be found in: Language Assistance for CA Voters
加州选民的语言协助(简体) / Chinese - Simplified
加州選民的語言協助 / Chinese - Traditional
Tulong sa Lengguwahe/Wika para sa mga Botanteng Taga-California / Filipino/Tagalog
Kev Pab Txhais Lus rau California Cov Neeg Pov Npab / Hmong
캘리포니아 유권자를 위한 언어 지원 / Korean
ជំនួយភាសាសម្រាប់អ្នកបោះឆ្នោត California / Khmer
Hỗ Trợ Ngôn Ngữ Cho Cử Tri California / Vietnamese
ਕੈਲੀਫੋਰਨੀਆ ਦੇ ਵੋਟਰਾਂ ਲਈਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ / Punjabi
कैलि फ़ोर्नि या के मतदाताओंके लि ए अन्य भाषाओँमेंसहायता / Hindi
カリフォルニア投票者への言語支援 / Japanese
Asistencia de idiomas para los votantes de California / Español
We offer a wide range of voting rights and voter engagement fact sheets. Find the November 2024 Election resources: