Bill > A07134

This bill requires boards of elections in cities with populations of one million or more to provide interpreters at poll sites under specific conditions. Specifically, if an election district contains at least fifty voting age residents with limited English proficiency in a language that is designated as a city-wide language, the board must provide at least one interpreter for that language. The interpretation of which districts require interpreters will be based on the most recent U.S. Census or American Community Survey data, with this data to be reviewed every two years starting January 1, 2028. The interpreters must be available inside the poll site and can be immediately removed if they violate election laws. The bill also allows boards of elections to provide interpreters for languages not specifically required by the bill. Additionally, the state board of elections will be responsible for creating rules that establish standards for the number of interpreters needed based on the number of voting age residents with limited English proficiency in an election district. The bill is designed to improve language accessibility for voters in large cities, ensuring that residents who are not fluent in English can more effectively participate in the electoral process.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7134