Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC)

The Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) of Monterey County is comprised of a group of individuals representative of the languages in our community. LAAC members are an essential part of the local Elections Department, as they provide valuable assistance on translations, community outreach, and bilingual poll worker recruitment.

Mission:

The mission of the Monterey County Elections Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) is to assist and advise Monterey County Elections in providing equal access voting to voters with limited-English proficiency. The LAAC’s primary focus is on the languages mandated in Monterey County by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act and Section 14201 of the California Elections Code, so that each person who votes can do so independently and privately.

Meetings:

The Monterey County Elections LAAC will have two to four meetings a year, or more as needed. Meetings will last approximately 1 hour; however more time may be required for specific topic areas.

Composition:

The LAAC is to be comprised of at least one representative member from each mandated language in Monterey County, agencies supporting languages, or other interested local groups in Monterey County.

LAAC goals:

• Assist and provide recommendations to increase recruitment of bilingual poll workers within language minority communities including lawful permanent residents.

• Assist and advise county election officials on training poll workers to provide quality language services.

• Assist and advise county election officials on:

  • Existing programs to reach people with language skills.

  • Providing advice in developing new programs.

• Advise county election officials on recognizing participation barriers for voters with limited English proficiency.

Member responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in meetings.

• Serve on the committee for at least two consecutive years.

• Prepare accordingly for each meeting. Some reading material may be sent in advance to review and prepare for the meetings.

• Provide expertise on language accessibility issues.

• Stay informed of language accessibility services provided by Elections.

• Assist in areas identified by Elections.

• Promote language accessibility services.

• Complete an annual committee survey.

For more information:

Contact Mary Helen Gallegos at gallegosmh@co.monterey.ca.us or call (831) 796-1499.