Bill > S509

This bill requires bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole to be provided for both state and town elections in Randolph, Massachusetts. The legislation mandates that for state elections, the state secretary must prepare ballots in both English and Haitian Creole, and for town preliminary and final elections, the board of registrars must do the same, in addition to any other languages required by law. The bill defines key terms such as "board" (board of registrars), "town" (Randolph), "election" (voting for public officers or questions), and "state election" (elections for national, state, county, or regional district school committee positions). Importantly, the state secretary will be responsible for covering all costs associated with implementing bilingual ballots in state elections, including ballot production. The bill is designed to ensure that Haitian Creole-speaking voters in Randolph have equal access to election information and can fully participate in the democratic process. The legislation will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S509