Overcoming Language Obstacles: Fargo’s New Americans Offered Voting Assistance in Somali and Arabic
FARGO — First-time voters need to catch on to the basics, but picking up scoops on candidates seems daunting when English ain’t your native lingo. It’s like deciphering a secret code buried in the news or on the web.
Tackling these language barriers, the League of Women Voters in Red River Valley joined forces with local champs, rolling out digital voting tools in English, Somali, and Arabic. These resources center on North Dakota’s House and Senate hopefuls.
“Folks will be stunned by our community’s linguistic diversity,” remarked Randi Dombek, the League’s president in Red River Valley.
Reports from Fargo Public Schools reveal an uptick in multilingual student numbers yearly. Notably, the North Dakota census says nearly 46,000 locals gab in tongues besides English.
Given community vibes, the groups homed in on Somali and Arabic to cater to Red River Valley’s essentials.
Fowzia Adde, from the Immigrant Development Center, reckons that newcomers are some of the most gung-ho voters. They crave basics only.
“Adopt the U.S. democracy vibe and admire the cushy living we enjoy here,” Adde beamed.
New rules bring zing. A 2023 statute nudges newly minted U.S. citizens to update IDs post-naturalization.
September saw North Dakota Secretary of State, Michael Howe, greeting 200 fresh Americans at a naturalization bash. Vote for the first time, he rallied them.
With November’s ballot just around the bend, the mission is to rally as many as possible to embrace a cherished American privilege: voting.
“All you North Dakotans—step up and vote. It’s your grand stage to voice yourself,” urged Adde.
The League dreams of amplifying its language roster in digital guides for future polls.
You can snag their voter guide with Somali and Arabic options on the League of Women Voters’ website. It’s your digital passport to understanding the voting realm.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
