Riverdale Park elections board refines manual, adds Spanish-language services and observer form

The Riverdale Park Board of Elections spent its meeting reviewing a draft elections manual and agreed to several procedural changes aimed at improving language access and ballot-handling ahead of the 2027 election.

Board members directed edits to explicitly add Spanish-language services — including a Spanish-speaking staffer on site and printed Spanish materials — and to replace the outdated term “challenger” with “observer” and create a standardized observer form. Kate, who circulated tracked edits to the draft manual, removed references to policing and said she would compile appendix B (forms) including an oath and a sample tally sheet for election judges.

Jessica, who led the policy review, told the board the town spent $27,353.30 on the most recent election and said she had kept the 2027 request similar to prior asks. “We spent $27,353.30 on our last election,” Jessica said, noting that the town should be able to maintain similar costs if it uses the same vendor and procedures. The board discussed whether the town should shift printing and mailing of ballots in-house to reduce postal delays and suggested hand-delivering batches to the post office and testing chain-of-custody steps, including tamper tape and dry runs.

A member posted a link to U.S. Department of Justice guidance for language assistance and noted that providing interpretation for Hispanic voters can be a legal requirement in covered jurisdictions. The board agreed to add a standalone “Spanish language services” section to the manual and to include printed materials in Spanish. One member also cautioned the board that adding explicit language-access measures may draw stronger public scrutiny but said the board supported the change.

Operational assignments and next steps included: Evan will research observer forms used by surrounding towns and return with a template; Kate will compile appendix B and track form language in Dropbox; Jessica will post the RFP for a new town attorney so the incoming attorney can review code, charter and the manual; and staff will check and update town website election dates.

Procedural votes at the meeting were limited and administrative. The agenda and minutes were approved by voice vote; one member abstained on the minutes approval. No ordinance or regulation was adopted.

The board closed by planning a voter-experience survey (QR code or iPad-based), continued refinement of chain-of-custody procedures for mail ballots, and scheduled follow-ups so the manual and appendices can be finalized once legal counsel is in place.