What's happening
This bill requires New York City election boards to provide all voting materials and information in Russian, in addition to English and other languages.
Why it matters
Expands language access for Russian speakers in NYC. The bill goes beyond just translating website content by requiring all aspects of the electoral process—registrations, notices, ballots, instructions, and in-person materials—to be available in Russian, ensuring Russian-speaking voters can participate fully and independently.
Mandates Russian-language voter resources citywide. The legislation requires the production and distribution of a citywide booklet containing a voter registration form (with Russian instructions), absentee ballot application instructions in Russian, and a Russian FAQ, which could help reduce confusion and boost civic engagement among Russian-speaking communities.
Aims to address voter disenfranchisement. By requiring the same level of Russian-language support as is provided for other major language groups, the bill seeks to remove barriers that may have prevented Russian-speaking residents from voting or understanding the process, potentially leading to higher turnout and more inclusive representation.
Sets a precedent for language equity. The detailed requirements for Russian-language materials may encourage further efforts to support other linguistic minorities, signaling a broader commitment to language access and equal participation in the electoral process.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Russian Voting Materials
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
13 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to election law
- Referred to election law
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provide Russian Voting Materials
In Senate Committee · Elections · Sponsor Diane J. Savino
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3675
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. CYMBROWITZ, COLTON, HEVESI, MOSLEY, JOYNER, SEPULVEDA, JEAN-PIERRE, GOTTFRIED, ARROYO, CAHILL, BLAKE, CRESPO, BICHOTTE, WALKER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. COOK, HYNDMAN, LAWRENCE, LENTOL, SIMON, WEPRIN -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to voting materials in Russian
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 3-506 of the election law, as added by chapter 244 of the laws of 2009, is amended to read as follows:
§ 3-506. Boards of elections; voting materials in Russian. A board of elections in a city of over one million shall provide [the same information in Russian that it provides in languages other than English on its website. It] all information that is provided by such a board of elections in English about the electoral process, including registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance as well as information provided at the polling place, including voting systems, ballot marking devices and ballots in Russian to the extent needed to allow voters who speak Russian to participate effectively in the electoral process and all voting-connected activities. Such board of elections shall also provide the same information in Russian that it provides in languages other than English on its website. Such board of elections shall also produce and disseminate citywide a booklet that includes: (a) a voter registration form in English with instructions in Russian; (b) instructions in Russian regarding the criteria and application process for obtaining an absentee ballot; and (c) a section with general voter information in Russian including frequently asked questions. Such board may include other languages on its website and in such booklet.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06470-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.