Bengali becomes only Indian language on NYC ballots for 2024 presidential election

New York City, known as the melting pot of cultures, is making an important change for the upcoming presidential election. 

In a city where over 200 languages are spoken, Bengali will be the only Indian language on the ballot papers. This exciting news is part of a broader effort to help non-English speakers participate in the elections. It’s also a legal requirement in the state.

As Americans gear up to vote for their next president on November 5, New York's 2024 presidential ballot is gaining attention. 

But why has Bengali secured this spot? Let’s explore the story behind this decision.

Making Voting Easier for Everyone

New York City is home to a vibrant and diverse population. Many residents speak languages other than English. According to the Asian American Federation, about 66 percent of immigrants in New York do not speak English as their first language. This means that 45 percent of Asian Americans in the city have limited English skills.

Micheal J. Ryan, the Executive Director of New York City’s Board of Elections, highlighted the importance of including Asian languages on ballots. 

He explained, “We are required to offer ballots in four other languages besides English. These languages are Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Bengali.”

Even though Hindi is a popular Indian language, many Bengali speakers live in New York. This group includes people from both India and Bangladesh. A 2022 report from the Asian American Federation revealed that Bengali is the second most spoken Asian language in New York, accounting for 12.2 percent of the population, just behind Chinese at 53.6 percent. Hindi, on the other hand, ranks sixth at 3.3 percent.

Encouraging Voter Participation

The decision to include Bengali on the ballot aims to boost voter participation in New York. Many people, like Subhshesh, a sales agent in Times Square, are excited about this change. 

He said his father, who lives in Queens, will find it easier to vote thanks to the Bengali ballot.

“People like me know English, but many in our community feel more comfortable using their native language. This will make things easier at the polling station. I’m sure my father will appreciate seeing a Bengali ballot,” he shared.

A Legal Requirement

The inclusion of Bengali on the ballots is not just a nice gesture; it is also a legal requirement. Ryan explained that a lawsuit concerning language access led to this decision. 

The United States has many different languages, especially since India has so many. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement that required ballots to be available in an Asian Indian language in certain areas with a high population density.

Through negotiations, they settled on Bengali as the chosen language. Ryan acknowledged that while it may not be the perfect choice, it was the result of legal action. 

The first time Bengali appeared on a presidential ballot was in Queens in 2013, following a federal directive under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This law aimed to ensure that South Asian minorities could participate fully in elections.

Comprehensive Language Support

Now, by law, New York City must provide voting materials in Bengali at specific polling places. This requirement covers more than just the ballots; it includes all essential voting materials. This comprehensive support will help Bengali-speaking voters navigate the electoral process.

Dr. Avinash Gupta, the President of the Federation of Indian Associations, believes this change will benefit the Indian community. He said, “It will help the Indian population go out and vote. That is how we can get our voices heard. We are a sizable population. It is heartening to see how Indians go out and vote and even contest elections.”