US Polls 2024: New York Ballot Features An Indian Language, But It's Not Hindi

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, New York City is capturing attention with an unexpected twist on its ballot language options. In a city renowned for its multicultural diversity, where over 200 languages are spoken, one Indian language has made an appearance on the ballot—but it isn’t Hindi, the most widely spoken Indian language in the US. Instead, Bengali is featured, marking a significant effort to enhance accessibility and encourage voter participation among Bengali-speaking residents.

Bengali's Debut on the Presidential Ballot

With only a day remaining until the election, the ballot language choice of Bengali has sparked curiosity. As voters gear up to select between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, New York has added four languages—Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Bengali—to the ballot alongside English. This inclusion reflects New York’s commitment to catering to its diverse demographic, and among these, Bengali is the sole Indian language represented, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

This decision, however, extends beyond mere symbolism. It highlights a conscious effort to promote electoral accessibility and engage the city’s considerable Bengali-speaking population, which includes both Indian and Bangladeshi Americans. 

Legal Requirements and Symbolic Significance

The inclusion of Bengali on New York’s ballot stems partly from legal requirements. Under the Voting Rights Act, New York is required to provide language assistance for certain minority groups. According to the New York City Board of Elections Executive Director, Micheal J. Ryan, the city is obligated to offer Bengali-language ballots at specific polling sites where there is a significant Bengali-speaking population. This mandate ensures that Bengali-speaking citizens have equal access to voting materials, reducing potential barriers and enhancing their ability to fully participate in the electoral process.

"The settlement required that an Asian Indian language be available where population density is high," Ryan explained. Bengali was chosen after careful consideration and community input, as its speakers form a substantial part of the city’s South Asian population, especially in neighbourhoods like Queens.

Community Reaction: Welcoming Inclusivity

For many in the Bengali-speaking community, this move holds both practical and emotional value. Subhshesh, a Times Square sales agent with Bengali heritage, expressed happiness over the inclusion, sharing how his father in Queens would benefit from this new support. "People like me know English, but many in our community feel more comfortable with their native language. This will definitely help at the polling station. I’m sure my father will appreciate seeing a Bengali ballot,” he said.

Dr. Avinash Gupta, President of the Federation of Indian Associations, echoed this sentiment. He pointed out that linguistic inclusion plays an essential role in fostering civic engagement among the Indian community. “This helps the Indian community to go out and vote. That’s how our voices are heard,” Gupta emphasised. He added that the move acknowledges the size and significance of New York’s Indian population, reinforcing the importance of representation in the democratic process.

Why Not Hindi?

While Hindi remains the most commonly spoken Indian language in the United States, New York’s decision to include Bengali highlights the local demographics. The city is home to a sizable Bengali-speaking population, including residents from India and Bangladesh, concentrated in areas like Queens and Brooklyn. 

The choice to support Bengali-speaking voters aligns with a broader trend of providing multilingual assistance to ensure fair access to voting, especially for populations that may face language barriers. By selecting Bengali, New York acknowledges the distinct cultural and linguistic identity of this community within the wider South Asian diaspora.

A Broader Push for Multilingual Accessibility

New York's decision also aligns with national efforts to make elections more accessible. Since 2013, Bengali has been available on select ballots in Queens, following a federal directive under the Voting Rights Act that requires language support for certain minority communities. This expansion to the presidential ballot in 2024 signals New York’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity.