"While the Westchester County Board has diligently provided voting materials in both English and Spanish for some time, we are also keenly aware that more needs to be done for communities that are predominately Hispanic to firmly assure a seamless voting process for all," said Republican Commissioner Carolee Sunderland.

"The 'Hola Votantes' program (a program initiated by the Board of Elections prior to the consent decree agreement) is designed to heighten awareness and address language barrier issues as they relate to the growing Hispanic population in Westchester County," added Democratic Commissioner Reginald LaFayette.  "Using a comprehensive approach, this program directly targets all government and political parties involved in the voting process in an effort to bring about positive results."

Both the Consent Decree and the County's 'Hola Votantes!' program share many of the same tenets and long-term goals.  According to Board of Elections' officials, much of the subject matter outlined in the Consent Decree are practices that have been in place for years, while others are already in the works.

"We have undoubtedly demonstrated our earnest commitment to serving the Hispanic population here in Westchester," said Sunderland.

"The Consent Decree essentially reiterates what we have been working towards for many years now," said LaFayette.  "Our efforts are clearly evident in the numerous bi-lingual materials we provide and the extensive efforts we continue to put forth to do even more."

Materials to Be Provided in Both English & Spanish

1)                  Voter Registration forms

2)                  Absentee Ballot applications

3)                  Absentee Ballots

4)                  Sample Ballots

5)                  Voters' Bill of Rights

6)                  Death Certificate form

7)                  Voter Assistance Instructions and Notice

8)                  Voter Challenge Oaths

9)                  Voter Correction of a Mistake in Enrollment Form

10)              Annual Mail Check Card

11)              Post-Registration Challenge Affidavit

12)              Affidavit Ballot Envelopes

13)              Affidavit & Emergency Ballots

14)              Absentee & Affidavit Ballot Instructions

15)              Notice of bi-lingual assistance and a Hispanic Hotline for use on Election Day (Spanish)

·        It is the policy of the Board of Elections that any correspondence to voters who complete a Spanish form will be in both English and Spanish.

Other Efforts:

·        Correspondence to Party officials

·        Correspondence to Hispanic Organizations & Liaisons

·        Press Releases to both mainstream & Hispanic media sources

·        Two new Board of Elections staff positions (Hispanic community liaisons)

·        Targeted effort to identify, recruit and retain additional bi-lingual poll workers