Page 16 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 2, 2022 Community advocates, city and state officials call for full voting rights for limited English proficient, Asian American voters By Tara Vocino O n Wednesday at City Hall, voting rights advocates called for state leaders to adopt a bill allowing the City of Malden to provide fully bilingual ballots to ensure Chinese-speaking voters have full access to the polls before the November election. The bill was adopted by the Massachusetts House of Representatives, but it has yet to be adopted by the Senate. State Representative Paul Donato is shown making a statement during the event. Pictured from left to right: Terry Yin, Emily Huang, Sophie Mark-Ng, Chelsey Gao, Peiying Yu, Jieyu Zhou, Karen Chen, Frances Xi Wu, Mai Du, Diana Jeong and Lydia Lowe unveiled a partially translated bilingual sample ballot to explain the importance of transliteration. Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition Vice President Yu Sin Mok displayed what the ballot would look like – if the legislation passes. State Representative Paul Donato cosponsored the bill. Mayor Gary Christenson, who takes Chinese classes on Sunday mornings, spoke in Chinese at the podium. He said they need state support for a home rule petition. Pictured from left to right: Asian Community Development Corp./Malden Civic Engagement Coordinator Terry Yin, Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition Co-Founder/Board Member Mai Du and Malden Chinese Culture Connection Member Mei Hung looked on during Wednesday’s press conference. State Representative Steven Ultrino (at right) said everyone should have access to vote in their language. Poll Worker Xuguang Xu encouraged everyone to get out and vote. State Senator Jason Lewis (far left) searched for his name on a sample Chinese ballot. Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition Vice President Yu Sin Mok asked candidates to find their names on a sample ballot. During Wednesday’s press conference at City Hall, Chinese Progressive Association Executive Director Karen Chen said their members just want to vote.
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