DEARBORN, Mich. – There are many who speak a language other than English that have casted their August primary absentee ballot.
Cities like Dearborn and Hamtramck worked to have both English and Arabic ballots available for voters.
According to the Secretary of State, each city will be ready with ballots of both languages for the Michigan Primary Election on August 2.
“Some people don’t know how to speak English. So if they see Arabic on there, they’re going to feel like they have a voice in the community,” said Aida Talev of Dearborn.
Related: Activists asking for Arabic-language voting ballots in Dearborn face pushback from county clerk
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said that having both languages is historic and hopes it’ll encourage more people to head to the polls. “This time, they’ll just go, and they won’t need interpretation, and they’ll encourage others to go and vote,” said the mayor.
Below is a statement from the Secretary of State released on Friday:
If you are looking for an absentee ballot, the state suggests you make a request before July 18. Those looking for an Arabic-language absentee ballot application can fill one out at a local clerk’s office or by mailing one in.