In every federal election, and in most non-federal elections, voting centers must provide at least one type of accessible voting equipment to accommodate voters with mobility limitations. To ensure that all voters can cast their ballots without difficulty, interpreters are available to assist those who do not speak English or communicate using sign language. In Harris County, Texas, voters can call 713-755-6965 if they need assistance voting by mail in English, Spanish, Chinese, or Vietnamese. The Department of Justice has implemented enforcement measures to ensure that jurisdictions provide important election-related information in an official language and that an adequate number of bilingual election officials are trained to assist voters.
In Georgia, state legislation reflects the Voting Rights Act and allows voters who cannot read English to choose someone other than their employer, an agent of their employer, or a leader or agent of their union to help them vote. During the early voting period, voters can cast their ballots at any early voting center in the political subdivision in which the elections are held. The person attending the voter must swear that they will not attempt to influence the voter's vote and will mark the ballot according to the voter's instructions. Voters must carry photo identification documents or other materials that confirm their identity and their right to vote in elections.
Alternatively, if a voter is 65 years of age or older on election day, has a disability, or will be out of the county during early voting hours and on election day, they can request to vote by mail. To help election officials provide language assistance to voters who require oral assistance in their minority language, a new resource was created. Mrs. Kim Murphey volunteered for the first time this year as a Korean interpreter and helped with an early voting day in late October in Harris County, Texas.
Additionally, separate abbreviated codes in Spanish were used to reduce language barriers and build trust among Spanish-speaking voters across the county. This comprehensive guide provides all new voters with basic information about language assistance services for federal elections. It is important for all citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to voting.
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