Bill > A00354

This bill directs the Queens County Board of Elections to provide comprehensive language assistance in Bengali, Punjabi, and Hindi to support voter engagement and accessibility, in compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Specifically, the board is required to offer written language support across multiple election-related materials, including ballots, signs, voter mailings, employee and volunteer training materials, and their website. The bill mandates the creation and distribution of a countywide booklet that includes a voter registration form with instructions in the specified languages, detailed guidance on obtaining absentee ballots, and general voter information addressing frequently asked questions. The legislation allows the board discretion to include additional languages in these materials. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for the board to develop and implement necessary rules and regulations to support these new language assistance requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A354