New state hotline enables Non-English speaking voters to call for ballot content translation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Non-English speaking voters can now receive translation assistance as they vote, due to the launch of a new state program.

Voters can access the assistance by calling the Secretary of State's Office at (303)860-6970, for translations to Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and additional languages pending availability.

"It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat, Republican or unaffiliated," said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. "Regardless of your zip code, the color of your skin, or your primary language, as long as you're eligible and a U.S. citizen, you have to have the access to cast a ballot."

The state is using Cyracom, a professional translation service, to provide translators for the hotline. Those translators will be accompanied on the phone calls by a member of the Secretary of State's Office or an employee of the Clerk and Recorder's office.

Griswold says the translators only translate ballot content, they don't attempt to sway voters and are nonpartisan actors.

It's a resource that's extra special for Donald Martinez, a U.S. Veteran who fell in love with the civil process when he was overseas in Baghdad.

"I actually started getting involved in elections back in 2005," said Martinez. "They put me in a brigade and they said, 'handle their elections.' So I had to set up their elections the night before."

Since that moment in 2005, Martinez has served as an election watcher, a ballot judge, and a site coordinator for Veterans Service Centers.

He says this is a service he is proud to watch be instated.

"Once everybody's voice is heard, then better decisions can be made," said Martinez. "This is the gold standard."