All topics · Topic 3 of 13 · Comes up when a voter needs it
Can voters get help in their language?
Language Access
Some places must provide ballots and help in languages other than English. Everywhere, a voter who has trouble with English may bring a person of their choice to help them.
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Your browser does not offer speech in this language. The transcript below contains the same text. Now readingDescribe this illustration
A help desk in a community room. A poll worker wearing a badge that says Hablo Español talks with a voter holding a small language-assistance card. On the wall behind them, three signs read Vote, Vote and Votez in English, Spanish and French, with a fourth sign in Chinese characters. The voter's companion waits beside them.
Things you may notice
Things you may notice about language assistance.
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Voting instructions are displayed in more than one language, where available.
For example: Posted instructions appear in English and Spanish.
Your browser does not offer speech in this language. The transcript below contains the same text. Now readingShare an observationLearn more
Federal law requires translated materials only in places that meet certain population thresholds. New Haven provides Spanish-language election materials. Other languages may or may not be available; their absence is not by itself a violation.
The law behind this: Voting Rights Act, Section 203: language assistance · Language minority regulations · Secretary of the State: voter information
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Voters can ask whether language assistance is available.
For example: A voter asks 'Do you have this in Spanish?' and gets a clear yes, no or 'let me check'.
Your browser does not offer speech in this language. The transcript below contains the same text. Now readingShare an observationThe law behind this: Voting Rights Act, Section 203: language assistance · Voting Rights Act, Section 208: help from a person of your choice
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Poll workers respond helpfully when someone has difficulty communicating in English.
For example: A worker slows down, uses simpler words or finds a bilingual colleague.
Your browser does not offer speech in this language. The transcript below contains the same text. Now readingShare an observationThe law behind this: Voting Rights Act, Section 2: no discrimination in voting · Voting Rights Act, Section 208: help from a person of your choice
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Voters receiving language assistance can continue through the voting process.
For example: A voter who brought a friend to interpret is allowed to keep that friend with them.
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Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act lets a voter who cannot read English choose almost anyone to help them, except their employer or union representative.
The law behind this: Voting Rights Act, Section 208: help from a person of your choice
Language requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Notice something different? Write down what you personally saw or heard, including the time and location. You can ask an election official for help.
Why it matters
About one in three New Haven residents speaks a language other than English at home. Whether a voter can understand the instructions decides whether they can vote the way they intend.
What one visit cannot tell you
- Whether this polling place is legally required to offer a particular language. That depends on census-based coverage decisions, not on what you see.
- Whether a translated sign is accurate. If you read the language, you can note what you saw.
In Connecticut
- Connecticut election materials from the Secretary of the State are published in English and Spanish, and New Haven provides Spanish ballots and assistance. (Secretary of the State: voter information)
What the law actually says
Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act (52 U.S.C. § 10503) requires covered places to provide election materials and help in covered languages. Section 208 (52 U.S.C. § 10508) applies everywhere: a voter who needs help because of blindness, disability or inability to read or write may be helped by a person of their choice, other than their employer or union agent. Regulations at 28 CFR Part 55 explain how coverage works.
Related legal authorities
- Voting Rights Act 52 U.S.C. §§ 10301–10314, 10501–10508, 10701–10702
- Language minority regulations 28 CFR Part 55
- Secretary of the State: voter information portal.ct.gov/sots