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Randolph leaders urge bilingual ballots in Haitian Creole to improve access
Summary
Town officials, community groups and state lawmakers urged the Joint Committee on Election Laws to give a favorable report to S.509, a home-rule petition that would require bilingual ballots in Haitian Creole for Randolph to improve voting access and civic participation.
Senator Bill Driscoll, sponsor of S.509, told the Joint Committee on Election Laws the measure seeks a “favorable report” to allow bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole for the town of Randolph.
“This measure takes a substantial step forward to make Randolph elections more in a more inclusive process and to foster deeper civic engagement in local government,” Senator Driscoll said.
The proposal drew multiple speakers from Randolph who described language barriers that they say keep Haitian Creole speakers from fully participating. Brian Howard, identified in testimony as Randolph’s town manager, said Randolph has “35,000 plus residents” and that Haitian Creole…
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