Massachusetts Senate Bill S509

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25
• Report Pass: 7/31/25

Caption

Relative to the preparation of bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole in the city known as the town of Randolph

Impact

If enacted, S509 will amend existing election laws to ensure that ballots are available in both English and Haitian Creole during elections. This change is expected to enhance voter access and representation for those who may have limited English proficiency. By mandating the State Secretary to oversee the implementation and costs associated with this change, the bill positions itself as a vital measure for community engagement and ensuring fair electoral processes.

Summary

Senate Bill 509 proposes the preparation and provision of bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole specifically for state elections and local elections within the town of Randolph, Massachusetts. This bill stems from a petition by legislator William J. Driscoll, Jr., with local approval indicating that the town supports the initiative for greater inclusivity in the electoral process. The explicit inclusion of Haitian Creole aligns with the demographic needs of the community, which seeks to improve voter participation among non-English speakers.

Contention

While S509 has received local backing, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of state resources for bilingual ballot preparation. Questions may be raised about the effectiveness and costs associated with producing bilingual materials and whether this could set a precedent for other communities with different linguistic needs. Furthermore, discussions may emerge about the capacity of local election boards to handle the logistics of such changes, including training staff for dual-language electoral assistance.