Bill

Bill > A02457


NY A02457

NY A02457
Requires the board of elections to provide Russian interpreters at certain polling locations in cities having a population in excess of one million people.


summary

Introduced
01/17/2025
In Committee
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 General Assembly

Bill Summary

AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to requiring the board of elections to provide Russian interpreters to certain polling locations in cities having a population in excess of one million people

AI Summary

This bill amends the New York State election law to require boards of elections in cities with populations over one million people to provide Russian interpreters at polling locations within election districts where at least five percent of the population's first language is Russian. Currently, the law allows non-English speaking voters to be assisted by a relative who can interpret, and this bill expands language assistance by mandating dedicated Russian interpreters in specific urban areas. The bill aims to improve voter accessibility and ensure that Russian-speaking residents can more easily participate in the electoral process by having professional interpreters available at polling sites. The language changes modify existing text to be more gender-neutral (replacing "he" with "the applicant") and add specific requirements for Russian language interpretation in large cities with significant Russian-speaking populations. The bill will take effect immediately and apply to all elections conducted after its effective date.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (16)

Last Action

referred to election law (on 01/07/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...