NYC Commission Enhances Voter Language Assistance Ahead of June Primaries

The NYC Civic Engagement Commission discussed strategies to enhance language assistance for voters at a recent public meeting held on February 6, 2025. The commission focused on improving outreach efforts for the upcoming June primaries, specifically regarding rank-choice voting and services for voters with limited English proficiency.

Commissioners outlined a collaborative approach to disseminate information to diverse language communities. They plan to utilize various tactics, including free media placements at Link NYC kiosks and bus shelters in targeted neighborhoods. Additionally, the commission has allocated $60,000 for paid advertising that will be directed towards community ethnic media and geotargeted social media ads to maximize outreach (Source: https://youtu.be/m9AYrqRNjNU&t=753).

Anila Kobo, the director of voter language services, highlighted upcoming special elections and noted that language assistance would be provided at multiple polling locations to ensure accessibility for voters. Specifically, language services will be available on Election Day and during early voting in several languages, covering communities with significant immigrant populations (Source: https://youtu.be/m9AYrqRNjNU&t=644).

To further enhance voter language assistance, the commission plans to create a digital toolkit in multiple languages, partnering with community-based organizations to deliver workshops on rank-choice voting. This initiative aims to provide community members with essential resources and education for them to better understand the voting process (Source: https://youtu.be/m9AYrqRNjNU&t=1064). The toolkit will be shared with over 100 organizations working with limited English proficient voters, further expanding the reach of their messaging (Source: https://youtu.be/m9AYrqRNjNU&t=871).

Past efforts to improve voter language assistance have included the development of a consistent translation style guide and a centralized request portal for language services, ensuring efficient communication across all election-related materials (Source: https://youtu.be/T8IUvO-WTL0&t=805). The commission’s ongoing dialogue and outreach strategies aim to dismantle language barriers in the electoral process, ensuring that all New Yorkers can exercise their right to vote in their preferred language (Source: https://youtu.be/P8_2kajVs7k&t=1463).

Overall, the meeting demonstrated the commission’s dedication to improving language access and fostering civic engagement among New York City’s diverse populations as the city gears up for its next elections.