The Independent View: NYC Launches Voter Registration Project in Six New Languages

New York City Voter registration forms expanded to include: Albanian, Greek, Italian, Polish, Tagalog, and Yiddish.

As part of the Administration’s efforts to expand voting participation and access, Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the launch of voter registration forms in six new languages. Now over 90% of Limited English Proficient New Yorkers have access to voter registration forms in the language they speak at home.

“New York is a city of immigrants. Now this November, the diverse communities that make New York City great will be empowered to make their voices heard,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This announcement marks our ongoing commitment to ensure that every eligible New Yorker can go to the polls and participate in a hallmark of American democracy.”

The new forms will be available on the Campaign Finance Board website which is also found on the homepage of NYC.gov under “Register to Vote.” Starting this month, the Campaign Finance Board will provide these voter registration forms to public libraries and elected officials’ offices so they are easily accessible.

CLICK HERE for new Registration form in multiple languages.

“Over 200 languages are spoken in New York City, making it the most diverse city in America,” said Commissioner Nisha Agarwal of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Now when New Yorkers register to vote this fall, they will be able to register in the language that they speak. This is an effective way to cultivate civic participation.”

Amy Loprest, Executive Director of the New York City Campaign Finance Board said, “New Yorkers will be making a critical decision about the future on November 8, but they won’t have a say if they aren’t registered to vote! Making voter registration forms available in more languages is a declaration that in New York City, the greatest, most diverse city on the planet, democracy is open to all U.S. citizens.”

Starting in July 2016, voter registration forms were available in Russian, Urdu, Haitian Creole, French, and Arabic alongside voter registration forms already available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Bangla.

The City is also providing support to immigrants who want to become U.S. citizens through its NYCitizenship program, which Mayor de Blasio launched earlier this year. As part of NYCitizenship, New York City residents receive appointments with a trusted attorney for help with citizenship applications, information sessions about the citizenship process and its benefits, and free and confidential financial counseling. U.S. citizenship gives residents the right to travel with a U.S. passport, vote in elections, and access more job opportunities.

CLICK HERE To learn more.

“We have a moral obligation to ensure every single New Yorker who’s eligible to vote gets the opportunity to do so, and that starts with accessibility,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I’m proud that New York City now offers voter registration forms in sixteen languages, covering more than 90 percent of our Limited English Proficient population.”