Not many ballots are translated. Certainly, they are not translated in all the languages necessary to accommodate the diversity of our Nation.
If a person who doesn’t speak English wants to vote, they generally have to have a mail in ballot and have a family member assist them with the ballot at home. That could be problematic if the election is contentious and the family member can’t help but want another ballot with their choices on it.
If you have a disability, there is a booth you can use to assist you at polling locations. If you don’t speak English, the best you can hope for at a polling location is that they have virtual Interpreting services available.
There are many ways a polling location could make language accommodations:
- They can translate the ballot and have them printed in the languages requested.
- They can translate the ballot and have a translation available for the person to take in to the booth with them, but they fill out a standard ballot.
- The polling location can use onsite or virtual Interpreters to read ballots to people and assist them with marking their ballot. (Pointing to the place the person needs to shade in for the person or option they chose or explain where they need to mark on the ballot.)
Using professional Interpreters or Translators is necessary. There may be items on the ballot that don’t translate well and will have to be explained. A good example is a millage. Millages do not exist in other countries; it will have to be explained so the person can make the decision that is in their best interests.
Providing translations or Interpreters can be a difficult decision. While some may feel it’s inappropriate because the Interpreters or translation may affect a person’s decision, it is the only way to have an accessible and fair election. Using professionals will ensure an accurate ballot and facilitation of the Consumers decision. It allows all citizens the ability to have their voices heard.
