Election Law - Local Boards of Elections - Language Assistance Program

The title of the new section was changed from 'Language-Related Assistance' to 'Language Assistance Program' to better reflect the formalized nature of the program.

Added new definitions for 'Designated Language' and 'Program' to clarify the legal framework.

Added a requirement that local boards must participate in the program if the State Board determines there is a significant need for language assistance to voters in a county in a language other than English.

Replaced the requirement for bilingual election judges with a requirement for voters to have the option to communicate with election judges through a translator, and added that the State will provide translation software services.

Added a requirement that the State Administrator must promptly notify each local board and the county's chief financial officer of the requirements under the program.

Changed the deadline for the State Board to determine significant need from an unspecified date to 'not later than February 1 of the year of the election'.

Added that the State will provide licensed translation software services to local boards, while counties must pay for all other expenses including hardware and each use of the translation software.