Authors

Katie Kitchen

"Solo en Inglés": Using Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act to Combat Modern Literacy Tests

Abstract

This Note asserts that section 208 of the VRA [Voting Rights Act] plays a vital role in protecting equitable access for limited English proficient (LEP) voters to cast their ballot. It does so by (1) providing background on protections in the VRA for LEP voters, (2) proposing that section 208 fills the gap left by other provisions of the VRA, and (3) offering recommendations for using section 208 effectively. These recommendations will include (1) amending section 208, (2) furthering education, and (3) increasing individual state actions. Lastly, this Note will argue that section 208 should serve as a model for Congress in striking a balance to protect specific interests while being narrowly tailored enough to withstand frequent challenges.

This abstract has been taken from the author's introduction.

Repository Citation

Katie Kitchen, "Solo en Inglés": Using Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act to Combat Modern Literacy Tests, 65 Wm. & Mary L. Rev. 435 (2023), https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/wmlr/vol65/iss2/5