REMARKS
Language accessibility of ballots and ballot rotation system
1:39:53
·
144 sec
Executive Director Ryan explains the language accessibility of ballots and the ballot rotation system implemented by the Board of Elections. He details how different languages are provided on ballots in various boroughs.
- English and Spanish are provided in all five boroughs, with additional languages in certain areas based on thresholds
- Queens is highlighted as the most language-diverse borough, offering ballots in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Bengali
- Ryan explains the ballot rotation process to ensure availability of all language options
- He mentions the translation of candidate names for Chinese, Korean, and Bengali ballots
Michael Ryan
1:39:53
So when, areas like and I'll use Queens as an example, because it's the most So we provide language in all five boroughs in English and Spanish.
1:40:05
And then in certain, areas of Brooklyn, and Manhattan, they have met the threshold for also having Chinese.
1:40:14
But Queens is our most complex borough in that regard.
1:40:18
In some respects, it's the most language diverse, and it's we provide services in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Bengali.
1:40:27
Now that having been said, that doesn't mean that all 5 of those languages are serviced at all of the locations.
1:40:34
It still is based on the threshold, that I, outlined earlier that we work with the Department of City Planning.
1:40:40
So you might have some sites, that have all 5.
1:40:44
You might have some that have 4, some that have 3.
1:40:47
So we it has since become state law, but prior to it becoming state law, what we've done is, we started, especially in those locations where there was 5 languages, we started a ballot rotation process, to make sure that we never ran out of ballots in a particular language.
1:41:05
So, in other words, assuming the first three voters came in and, no one requested a ballot in a particular language, you would get an English, Spanish, Chinese ballot.
1:41:18
The next we get an English Spanish Korean ballot.
1:41:20
The next we get an English Spanish, Bengali ballot.
1:41:23
So that there was a rotation.
1:41:24
Now, if you come in and ask for a specific language, then you would get the ballot, with that specific language's, language on it.
1:41:32
For Spanish, we do not translate the names because they have the same alphabet.
1:41:37
But for Chinese, Korean, and Bengali, you get, a translated name in addition to the instructions and the offices and all of those other things, which is why, any candidates that have run for office in those areas get a notice from us in advance of elections saying this is, the way we're going to, publish your name on the ballot and other related materials.
1:42:02
Do you have an objection or do you prefer, a different way?
1:42:06
Especially with the, character based, languages.
1:42:11
You know, sometimes there's a preference in how the name, the name appears or what characters are used.
