New Yorkers are known for having strong opinions. Whether it’s debating where to find the best bagel or the most authentic slice of pizza, people in this city are passionate about what matters to them. That same passion should extend to our local elections. Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to make their voice heard at the ballot box, no matter what language they speak.
At NYC Votes, an initiative of the New York City Campaign Finance Board, we work to ensure that all eligible voters know their rights and can access the tools they need to participate fully in our local democracy. One of those fundamental rights is the right to vote in your language. New York is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. Hundreds of different languages are spoken across our five boroughs. In a city this vibrant, limited language access should never be a barrier to civic participation.
NYC Votes is working harder than ever to make sure every voter has access to accurate, timely information in their preferred language. In an age when mis- and disinformation are easily spread, especially online, expanding language access is one of the most effective tools we have to protect voters and strengthen our democracy.
One of the biggest barriers to participation in local elections is a lack of access to relevant and accurate information about voting. Many voters are not sure which offices are on the ballot, who the candidates are, what they stand for, or how those elected officials make decisions that affect their daily lives. These informational gaps are even more pronounced for voters with Limited English proficiency (LEP). Without additional language support, it can be difficult to find voting information, understand policy issues, or navigate the voting process.
NYC Votes is committed to expanding access and removing language barriers that keep too many New Yorkers from participating. We translate our voter education materials into 13 languages, including Spanish, Bengali, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, and Urdu. We also provide closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation for our Online Voter guide and for our educational events and meetings, including Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC) sessions.
In addition to our online resources, our Voter Guide, which is mailed to millions of New Yorkers ahead of every election, includes details about your rights as a voter and information on candidates and ballot proposals.
This work is about more than just translation. It’s about ensuring that all voters, regardless of the language they speak at home, can engage with their government, understand their rights, and make informed decisions at the polls.
We also make policy recommendations aimed at improving language equity and accessibility, and we partner closely with organizations that serve immigrant and LEP communities. These partnerships allow us to host culturally competent, in-language voter education sessions that meet voters where they are and ensure that they know their rights at the polls. Voters also have the right to bring someone with them to interpret at the polls, if needed.
In 2025 alone, we have collaborated with hundreds of community leaders and organizations to register and educate voters across the city. Through these partnerships, we’ve held town halls, hosted multilingual events, and distributed materials to help voters understand how to register, where to vote, what’s on the ballot, and what to expect on Election Day.
These efforts are especially important in a year when so many city offices are up for election. This November, voters will choose leaders for mayor, City Council, public advocate, comptroller, borough president, and, depending on the borough, district attorney. These local officials make critical decisions about city services such as schools, libraries, housing, transportation, and public safety. Your vote directly impacts how resources are allocated and which policies are prioritized in your community.
If you or someone you know needs voting information in another language, NYC Votes is here to help. Visit nycvotes.org to find translated materials, get updates on upcoming events, and learn more about your rights as a voter. You can also find information on how to bring an interpreter to the polls if needed.
In New York City, every voice counts, and every language matters. Let’s make sure that this election season, all New Yorkers have the tools and information they need to be heard.
Ryan is executive director of the New York City Campaign Finance Board.
