New York City Hall Won a Last-Minute Legal Battle with the Board of Elections on Monday that will Allow the City to put Scores of Interpreters at Polling Places for Todays Public Advocate Race.
The Board, which already provides Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Bangla, Interpreters inside some Polling Places, had argued that More Interpreters could Influence Voters’ Choices and Impede Safety and Accessibility.
State Judge Edgar Walker Blocked the Board’s Bid, Unconvinced that additional Interpreters would Engage in Electioneering or get in the way of Voters. The Board Appealed and Lost later on Monday.
“This isn’t just a win for all New Yorkers, it’s a win for democracy itself,” Mayor de Blasio tweeted after the Ruling. “Nothing should stand in the way of the right to vote — especially not your language.”
The Mayor wants to put Translators who speak Russian, Haitian Creole, Yiddish, Polish, and “a whole host of languages that will help people vote” inside 100 Polling Places around the City.
Under Current Election Law, anyone Not Approved by the Board must stay 100 Feet away from a Polling Place.
The Board had asked a Judge for a Preliminary Injunction to keep New Interpreters from Breaking the 100-Foot Barrier.
On Monday, the City’s Law Department Opposed It.
Polls will be Open Today from 6am to 9pm.
City Voters are Selecting a New Public Advocate to Replace Letitia James, who was Elected Attorney General. Seventeen Candidates are on the Ballot in the Special Election.
One Candidate Withdrew from the Race, State Rep. Latrice M. Walker (D-55th District, Brooklyn), but to Late to get her Name Off the Printed Ballot.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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