SLO County launches Spanish-language voter events with Cal Poly
– San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office has partnered with Cal Poly faculty and students to launch a series of Spanish-language voter information events throughout the county in September. The goal of the Latino Voter Engagement Project is to provide election information to Spanish-speaking residents in a welcoming environment that addresses their specific questions.
“The faculty advisors, Victoria Zamora and Marion Winrow Hart, came to us in late spring with a short timeline but a lot of enthusiasm about engaging directly with Spanish-speakers on the topic of voting and elections,” said Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano. “We were very excited because we’d already been working on expanding our outreach to the Latino community countywide. Among other things, this partnership means that the Elections Office can speak directly with people through in-person gatherings organized by the Cal Poly team.”
Since May, Cal Poly students and faculty have been in discussions with individuals and groups within the Latino community, identifying a strong interest in more information about voting, specifically tailored to Spanish-speaking residents.
“Working alongside the Clerk-Recorder’s office, we’re excited to help engage Spanish-speaking communities who have historically faced barriers to access, particularly around language,” said Zamora, co-mentor of the Latino Voter Engagement Project. “By connecting underserved communities with bilingual staff to share crucial information about voting rights and the services provided by the Clerk-Recorder’s office, we aim to ensure they can access the vital resources they are entitled to. Along with my colleague, Marion Winrow Hart, we are guiding our students as they learn to lead this important community outreach effort.”
Bilingual staff from the Elections Office will participate in six scheduled events, starting with the first on Sept. 10 at the Atascadero Library. Attendance is free, and no RSVP is required. Childcare will be provided for attendees. Topics will include why to vote, how to vote, local government roles, county resources, and specific contests on the November ballot.
The full list of events is as follows:
- Atascadero Library, Sept. 10, 5-7 p.m.
- Nipomo Library, Sept. 11, 4-6 p.m.
- San Miguel Library, Sept. 18, 4-6 p.m.
- Oceano Elementary School, Sept. 20, 4-6 p.m.
- Cambria Library, Sept. 24, 4-5:30 p.m.
- San Luis Obispo Library, Sept. 25, 4-6 p.m.
