AK HB288

Creates new statute AS 15.15.245 requiring the director of elections to provide bilingual voting materials or oral translation assistance at polling places and absentee voting stations when at least five percent of voting-age citizens in an election district speak a single common language other than English and have limited English proficiency.

Determination of language threshold based on latest available American Community Survey census data or comparable census data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census director.

Requires the director to ensure, to the greatest degree possible, accurate translation of voting materials and accuracy and availability of oral translation help for persons with limited English proficiency.

Defines "voting materials" to include registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, ballots, and other materials or information relating to the electoral process.

Defines "with limited English proficiency" as inability to speak or understand English well enough to participate in the electoral process.