Denver Elections to provide translation device to non-English-speaking voters - 9News.com KUSA - Translation

The device is a multi-sensory, two-way translation device that will be available in all voting sites.

DENVER — Ahead of the State Primary Election on June 25, the elections office partnered with the Colorado Department of State to increase voting access for non-English speakers with a new device called Pockettalk.

“We want people to know they can participate, especially those voters who are coming to a vote center – wanting to vote," said Paul Lopez, clerk and recorder for the City and County of Denver. "We don’t want folks to feel like they’re not welcomed, or they can’t participate because of limited English proficiency."

The device is a multi-sensory, two-way translation device that will be available in all voting sites across the city. With a large touchscreen, noise-cancelling microphones and a text-to-translate camera, the device will have access to 84 languages. 

“It’s very easy to use, you don’t even have to log in really. You pick the language, hold the button as you talk and it will translate and have it written out on the screen, so the person can hear it and see it," said Lopez. 

The technology will allow employees to translate real-time conversations, text, written words, and signs to communicate between staff and voters. 

"Not everyone is confident to speaking another language or trying to assist other languages and I think this helps," Lopez said. "For election workers, this is a blessing because it will boost confidence and be able to help voters navigate the system."

The State Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 25. Ballots will be mailed out to Republican, Democratic, and Unaffiliated voters June 3. Residents can visit denvervotes.org to register to vote, update their voter registration, and see where to vote through June 25.

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