Interpreters and Time Off from Work: Voter Rights Immigrants Should Know About

On November 7, New Yorkers will elect a new City Council and representatives for several other positions in representative body of local government. Among the candidates there are immigrants from post-Soviet countries, whom you can meet here. The voting process looks fairly simple, but immigrants may have difficulties due to language or misunderstanding of laws. To prevent this from happening, we have compiled a set of New York Voter Rules. Knowing them, you can vote easily and without nerves.

1. If you need help at the polling station, then it can be provided by anyone of your choice (except your employer or trade union representative). You can bring an assistant with you or contact the site staff.

2. You have the right to bring an interpreter with you.

3. Translators work at some sites, you can find out exactly where translators are available and into which languages ​​by this link. Russian translators work in most areas of Brooklyn.

4. You can vote even if the voting machine is broken.

5. Vote using an “affidavit ballot.” (affidavit ballot) if your name is not found on the voter list for your polling station.

6. You have the right to take time off from work.to vote. New York State law allows you to take up to three hours of paid time off at the beginning or end of a work shift. Important: You must notify your employer of your time off at least two days before the voting date.

7. In accordance with federal and state law, people with disabilities have the right to assistance in voter registration and voting. If you have a disability and believe you have been denied assistance voting or registering to vote, call 311.

For detailed instructions in Russian about voting rights and the process of filling out a ballot, see here.