Randolph Council advocates for Haitian Creole ballots to enhance voting access

At a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Election Laws, the push for multilingual ballots in Randolph, Massachusetts, took center stage, highlighting the urgent need for inclusivity in the voting process. Local leaders emphasized that the current lack of Haitian Creole translations on ballots disenfranchises a significant portion of the community, which is one of the most diverse in the Commonwealth.

Randolph Town Councilor Lehi Larman and other officials presented Bill S 509, advocating for the inclusion of Haitian Creole on ballots to ensure that all residents can participate meaningfully in elections. "This is a matter of fairness," Larman stated, underscoring the importance of providing equal access to the voting process. The council believes that translated ballots will not only empower non-English speakers but also enhance overall voter turnout, with studies suggesting that multilingual ballots can increase local participation by as much as 10%.

The discussion revealed that language barriers contribute to voter suppression, as many residents feel uncomfortable or unable to vote due to their limited English proficiency. "Imagine one of the largest populations not having the opportunity to vote because of this discomfort," Larman noted, stressing the need for change.

Heather Ho, co-chair of the Randolph Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition, echoed these sentiments, sharing personal experiences of residents struggling to understand ballot language. She pointed out that the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes far exceeds available resources, further complicating the issue. "This isn't just a language access issue; it's a voting rights issue," Ho asserted, calling for immediate action to ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to vote without barriers.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of language access in fostering a representative democracy. As Randolph leaders advocate for this critical change, they aim to send a clear message: every resident deserves a voice in their local government, regardless of their language skills. The anticipated outcome of this bill could pave the way for a more inclusive electoral process, empowering all citizens to engage fully in civic life.