(Detroit Free Press) The clerks of Dearborn and Wayne County are raising concerns about Arabic-language ballots in Dearborn, saying that implementing them in time for the August primary may not be possible.
The Dearborn City Council voted unanimously March 22 on a resolution that would effectively require ballots and other election materials be translated into Arabic for future elections, including the August primary. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson showed up at the council meeting in support. And a spokesman for her said Thursday that state and federal law backs up Dearborn having Arabic-language ballots.
But the resolution and Benson’s office have drawn strong criticism from Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett, who accused Benson’s office of being “beyond negligible.” She and others have raised concerns over whether Arabic is technically a minority language under federal law and if the translations will be done accurately in a timely manner.
