Georgia Volunteers Help 400K Latino Voters Navigate Polls

When naturalized citizens walk up to vote for the first time in America, a friendly face speaking their language can turn anxiety into confidence.

That's exactly what's happening at polling places across three Georgia counties. The advocacy group We Are CASA has stationed over 40 trained bilingual volunteers outside voting locations in Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Clayton counties to help voters navigate the process.

The need is real. Georgia has more than 400,000 registered Latino voters, making up over 4% of the state's electorate. Nearly one-third of these voters are under 30, many casting ballots for the first time.

Carliana Harris, a We Are CASA member, sees the impact firsthand. "I think it's good to see people that look like you being there," she says. "It will make them more comfortable, also speaking their language."

The volunteers do more than translate. They monitor lines, document potential problems, and address community concerns about immigration enforcement near polling places. Organizing director Alberto Ferregrino says removing fear is crucial for voter access.

"Anything that's happening at the poll locations where it's putting people off, that's intimidating, that's creating a barrier," Ferregrino explains. The goal is simple: help people feel welcomed and comfortable casting their vote.

The language gap remains significant. Only Gwinnett County is federally required to provide Spanish-language ballots. In neighboring Clayton and DeKalb counties, voting machines remain English-only, forcing voters to rely on sample guides or interpreters.

Ferregrino recalls helping one newly naturalized citizen. "It was their first time voting as a naturalized citizen. And I was able to go in, support them, and just translate, interpret their ballot for them. And they were able to cast their vote."

The Ripple Effect

This volunteer effort is creating change beyond Georgia. We Are CASA's similar work in Pennsylvania led to a legal settlement that expanded bilingual ballot access across dozens of precincts. By documenting barriers in real time, the organization builds evidence for systemic improvements.

The volunteers aren't just helping individuals vote today. They're paving the way for easier access tomorrow, one conversation and one documented issue at a time.

When democracy works, everyone gets to participate in their own language.