More Voices, Stronger Democracy: 50th Anniversary of Section 203 Summit
Schedule
Tue Aug 26 2025 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
California Endowment | Sacramento, CA

About this Event
More Voices, Stronger Democracy:
50th Anniversary of Section 203 Summit
August 26, 2025
9 AM - 4 PM
This is a special in-person event marking the 50th anniversary of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act. The full-day, in-person summit features engaging conversations with panelists and advocates working to expand language access at the ballot box, and we are excited to welcome the California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber; and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra!
The summit will take place at the California Endowment, a beautiful venue in the heart of Sacramento, CA. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The event will be followed by a cocktail reception β more details to come.
TICKET INFORMATION
$55.20 Each ($50 plus taxes & fees)
Attendees must have a ticket to be admitted.
Scholarships: Free or discounted tickets and transportation reimbursement up to a certain amount are available for those who wish to attend the in-person summit but may not be able to cover the fees. If you would like to apply for a ticket and/or travel, please complete the .
Note: Scholarships are subject to the availability of funds, awarded based on need, and are first come, first served.
SPONSORSHIPS
This event is made possible by the generous support of the .
Our committee continues to fundraise to provide scholarships for attendees who may need financial assistance. If youβre interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact [email protected].
PARKING INFORMATION
The venue does not have private parking. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis across the street at the Capitol Centre parking garage or the Capitol Garage for an hourly fee. Additional parking may also be found in surrounding buildings or on the street for an hourly fee. We recommend using , ride share, or downloading the app for easy street parking payment.
- Capitol Centre Garage - 1550 K Street, Sacramento, CA
- Capitol Garage - 1500 K Street, Sacramento, CA
HOTEL INFORMATION (Monday, 8/25 to Tuesday, 8/26 only)
The event committee has partnered with the Sheraton Grand and the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento to hold room blocks at special discounted rates while they last.
The Sheraton Grand Hotel
1230 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-1700
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-1234
This event is hosted by ACLU SoCal, Asian Law Caucus, California Common Cause, PANA, and the California Language Access Workgroup. It's made possible by the Evelyn & Walter Haas Jr. Fund.

Agenda
π: 09:00 AM
Registration
Info: Check in and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
π: 09:30 AM
Welcome Remarks
Info: Jesse Salinas (Yolo County Assessor, Clerk/Recorder, and Elections Official) and Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State will open the summit with welcome remarks.
π: 10:00 AM
Research and Data: What Impact Does Increasing Language Access Have?
Info: With Moderator, Pedro Hernandez (California Common Cause) with Matt Barreto (Faculty Director, UCLA Voting Rights Project), Diego Casillas (Senior Research Fellow, UCLA Voting Rights Project), and Allison Neswood. (Senior Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund)
π: 11:00 AM
Is Section 203 Working? The California Test Case
Info: With Moderator, Jonathan Mehta Stein, Mindy Romero (Founder and Director, Center for Inclusive Democracy), Deanna Kitamura (Managing Attorney, Voting Rights, Asian Law Caucus), and Ramla Sahid (Executive Director, Partnership for the Advancements of New Americans)
π: 12:00 PM
Lunch
Info: Lunch will be served onsite.
π: 12:45 PM
Beyond Section 203: States Leading the Way Toward a Multilingual Democracy
Info: With Moderator, Viveka Ray-Mazumder, Phi Nguyen (Director of Democracy, Demos) and Aly Belknap (Executive Director, Colorado Common Cause)
π: 01:45 PM
Workshops & Breakouts
Info: Workshop Topics include: "Local Advocacy," "Opportunities for California," and "Relationship Building with Elections Officials."
π: 03:00 PM
Keynote Address: Xavier Becerra, United States Secretary
Info: Xavier Becerra, Former U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services; Former California Attorney General, will deliver closing remarks.
π: 03:45 PM
Closing Remarks
Info: To be Announced
π: 04:00 PM
Reception (Open to all attendees)
Info: Attendees are invited to sip, meet, and mingle at our post-summit reception right across the street from the California Endowment at Juju's Kitchen & Cocktails (1501 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814).
Where is it happening?
California Endowment, 1414 K Street, Sacramento, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 55.20
