The DOJ alleged that the county undercounted the need of Spanish sample ballots and that based on the 2000 Census, which showed the number of Latino-surnamed county residents, that up to 20,000 voters would need Spanish language sample ballots, registration forms and election related materials.County election officials countered that the methodology used by the DOJ was flawed, relying on a presumption that if a voter has a Spanish surname they probably require Spanish language materials.Ventura County was notified of the allegations initially in 2002, according to the DOJ.The county has agreed to have an official ballot ready in Spanish in time for the Nov. 2 election; thereafter the county will provide a bilingual ballot for each subsequent election.County officials estimate that the cost of compliance at about $200,000 for the November election.
Ventura County settles with DOJ over Spanish language ballots
August 25, 2004
Santa Paula News
While Santa Paula and other cities try to attract bilingual poll workers, the County of Ventura has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over a complaint alleging that its elections division violated the voting rights of Spanish speakers.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWhile Santa Paula and other cities try to attract bilingual poll workers, the County of Ventura has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over a complaint alleging that its elections division violated the voting rights of Spanish speakers.The complaint was filed just days before the settlement was reached and alleged that the county failed to provide enough voting materials in Spanish and bilingual poll workers during elections as required under the Voting Rights Act. Two-thirds of the county’s population is Latino but it is unknown how many are Spanish speaking only or prefer ballot materials in their native language.County officials said they were caught off guard by the complaint and the potential DOJ lawsuit, noting that they had not been notified that there was a problem.The county provides Spanish sample ballots for those who request it and of the 373,800 registered voters in Ventura County, 7,789 have requested a sample ballot in Spanish.
