Methodology for the Voter Language Assistance Program

In compliance with the NYC Charter deadline, the NYC Civic Engagement Commission (NYCCEC) is posting the Methodology for the Voter Language Assistance Program (VLA), which provides interpretation services at poll sites. The methodology outlines the process for identifying program eligible languages and poll sites in which interpretation services will be offered. The methodology was used to deliver interpretation services in November 2020 for the general election and all general, primary, and special elections going forward. 

Program Eligible Languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin), French, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu, Yiddish

The CEC held a public hearing on February 18, 2020. The recording and transcript of the hearing are available here. While this methodology integrates responses to public comments, an additional Frequently Asked Question document also summarizes key comments received and the CEC's responses. In October 2022, the Commission approved updates to the methodology, allowing reallocation of resources based on utilization.

• Methodology - Voter Language Assistance Program
• Methodology - Voter Language Assistance Program (Word Accessible Version)
• FAQ: Methodology - Voter Language Assistance Program
• FAQ: Methodology - Voter Language Assistance Program (Word Accessible Version)
• Final Methodology Procedures Amendment (as amended) - 6-1-2021
• Revised Voter Language Assistance Program Methodology
• Revised Voter Language Assistance Program Methodology (Word Accessible Version)