Texas House Bill HB1888

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to eligibility to serve as an interpreter in an election.

Impact

The bill's amendments introduce specific criteria for individuals eligible to act as interpreters. Notably, individuals chosen by voters cannot be their employers, agents of their employers, or officers or agents of labor unions that the voters belong to. Conversely, interpreters appointed by election officers must be registered voters either from the same county or an adjacent one. These stipulations are expected to provide a clearer and fairer selection process for interpreters while minimizing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that those serving as interpreters are more likely to understand the voting context.

Summary

House Bill 1888 aims to amend the Texas Election Code regarding the eligibility of individuals serving as interpreters during elections. The bill stipulates that voters who do not share a common language with election officers may communicate through an interpreter of their choice. If the voter does not select an interpreter, one can be appointed by the election officer. This provision is designed to enhance voter accessibility, ensuring that language barriers do not impede the voting process, ultimately supporting a more inclusive electoral system.

Contention

While the bill promotes electoral inclusivity, it may also prompt discussions about the practical implications of its provisions. Critics could argue that the requirement for interpreters to be registered voters might limit the pool of available interpreters particularly in areas where there are fewer registered voters who also speak the required languages. Additionally, the bill does not address potential issues regarding the training, proficiency, or neutrality of interpreters, which might lead to concerns about the accuracy of interpretation during the voting process.