Riechel Reports - San Bruno CA Events

Article Source: CA Secretyary of State

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., is Accepting Applications for Volunteers to Serve on the State’s Accessibility Advisory Committees

Sacramento, Calif. – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., is accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the State’s Accessibility Advisory Committees. The Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) and Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) both play pivotal roles in ensuring that all Californians have equal access to the voting process. The deadline for applications for volunteers for the 2026-27 term for both committees is January 9, 2026.

The Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC):

Established pursuant to California Elections Code section 2600, the LAAC's mission is to advise and assist the Secretary of State’s office with a robust language access program. The committee assists voters with limited-English proficiency so they can participate fully in the electoral process, supports the implementation of federal and state laws related to language accessibility, makes recommendations regarding programs and policies, and reviews translated material for accuracy.

LAAC responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Providing language accessibility expertise.
Advocating for language accessibility initiatives.
Addressing queries from the Secretary of State regarding language issues.

More information about LAAC can be found on the Secretary of State’s web site Language Accessibility Advisory Committee page, and application information can be found here https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ccrov/2025/december/25171ve.pdf.

The Voter Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC):

Established pursuant to California Elections Code section 2053, the VAAC's mission is to advise, assist, and provide recommendations to the Secretary of State’s office regarding the implementation of federal and state laws, ensuring every registered voter can vote independently and privately.

VAAC responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Framing guidelines for reaching out to voters with disabilities.
Recommending enhancements in the accessibility and availability of election materials.
Disseminating public service announcements.
Making web accessibility recommendations.
Promoting voter hotlines.
Highlighting state and local library services for voters with disabilities.
Providing suggestions for enhancing access and participation.
Endorsing the use of plain language and alternative formats.
Proposing training for poll workers.

More information about VAAC can be found on the Secretary of State’s web site Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee page and application information can be found here https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ccrov/2025/december/25172nr.pdf.

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