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TAC - FAQ

Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

TAC - Home  |  Translation Resources (coming soon)

 

The Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) supports Connecticut municipalities in providing accurate, legally compliant, and accessible translated election materials. Below are answers to common questions from towns across the state.

 

Why is my town required to translate election materials into another language? 

Connecticut law requires certain municipalities to provide election information in another language when there is a “significant and substantial need” for language assistance in the community. 

To determine which municipalities meet this requirement, the UConn Center for Voting Technology Research conducts an annual analysis using the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This data shows: 

  • The number of voting age citizens in each municipality
  • How many speak Spanish at home, and  
  • How many have limited English proficiency  

More specific information about the determination method, including the statutory criteria, is available on our Voting Rights Act webpage.

 

Can I see the results of the analysis used to determine whether my town requires language assistance?


Yes. The determination of whether a municipality must provide Spanish‑language election materials is based on publicly available data and a transparent methodology. UConn uses the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which shows: 

  • The number of voting‑age citizens in each municipality 
  • How many speak Spanish at home, and 
  • How many have limited English proficiency 

A detailed explanation of the methodology and links to the underlying data are available on the Secretary of the State’s Voting Rights Act webpage here.  

Here is a chart that depicts the analytical results for every Connecticut town. 

Because local demographics change over time, American Community Survey (ACS) data may show shifts in language‑assistance needs from year to year. Municipalities may move above or below the statutory threshold as populations evolve.

 

What are a town’s responsibilities once it is required to provide translated election materials?

Once a municipality is identified as requiring language assistance, Public Act 25-168 (codified at CGS §§ 9‑236c and 9‑236d) requires that the municipality:

  • Use a professional, certified translator for all election‑related materials, and 
  • Submit those translations to the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) for approval no later than 65 days before any election, primary, or referendum. 

The translated materials must match the English versions in quality, accuracy, and meaning, and towns may not rely solely on automated translation tools.

 

What does the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) do?

The Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) reviews translated election materials after they have been completed by a professional translator. The committee ensures the materials are accurate, clear, and consistent so voters can rely on high‑quality translations at every election.

 

What is a “professional translator”?

A professional translator is someone who either:

  • Holds an academic certificate or degree in translation from an accredited higher‑education institution, or 
  • Has certification from a professional association or other accrediting organization. 

When seeking a professional translator, towns may wish to ask if they meet one or both qualifications. The fact that a town pays for translation services may not be sufficient by itself.

 

When must translations be submitted to the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC)?

Municipalities must submit translated materials to the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) as soon as possible, and no later than 65 days before an election, primary, or referendum.

 

How is the state helping towns manage translation costs and deadlines?

The Secretary of the State is working with the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC), municipalities, and statewide professional organizations to:

  • Identify 10–20 common election signs used by all towns (e.g., “Vote Here,” “Early Voting Today”)
  • Translate them using the state‑certified translator
  • Have them reviewed and approved by TAC, and
  • Make them available on the TAC webpage for any town to use.

These shared resources will help reduce costs and improve consistency statewide.

 

Can towns reuse translated signage from previous elections?

No. Under the new state law, all translated signage must be approved by the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) before municipalities use it. This is a change from prior years, when some towns relied solely on federal standards.

However, TAC-approved translations can be used in successive elections, providing that the substance of the content has not changed in a material way beyond variables such as names of candidates, dates, and times. Question should be directed to the Legislation and Elections Administration Division (LEAD) and the TAC at SOTS.TranslationAdvisoryCommittee@CT.gov.

 

Will the state continue distributing legally required notices in English and Spanish?

Yes, subject to the availability of funds.

The Legislation and Elections Administration Division (LEAD) will email editable English and Spanish templates for required notices, including delegate notices, primary notices, and the Warning of Election, after the translations have been completed and reviewed by the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC).

 

Will ballots be available in both English and Spanish?

The towns that are required to provide language assistance will provide electors ballots in English and Spanish.

 

Where can towns find qualified translators?

While the state does not endorse specific vendors, several resources can help towns locate professionals who meet statutory requirements:

  • Department of Administrative Services List: The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is a Connecticut state agency overseeing many government functions and acts as a service provider and administrator for other state departments and agencies

Approved translated materials that may be used state-wide will be made available here as they are finalized.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s Spanish glossary also supports consistent terminology across all materials.

 

Do municipalities need to translate correspondence with military or overseas FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) voters?

No. FPCA‑related correspondence may continue to be sent in English. If a municipality receives an FPCA application in Spanish, the Legislation and Elections Administration Division (LEAD) can assist by providing a Spanish version of the “Dear Voter” email. Federal multilingual FPCA forms are available through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

 

Is the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) creating a statewide library of translations?

Yes. TAC is building a repository of commonly used TAC‑reviewed translations, including standard phrases and frequently used election terms, that towns can reuse. This will reduce translation burden and promote consistent, voter‑friendly language statewide.

 

Who serves on the Translation Advisory Committee (TAC), and how can I become a member?

The Translation Advisory Committee (TAC) is composed of Connecticut residents with strong Spanish‑language proficiency and experience in translation, bilingual education, community engagement, or election administration. The list of current members can be found here.

TAC members volunteer their time to review Spanish translations of election materials, such as ballots, instructions, and voter information, to ensure they are 
accurate, consistent, culturally appropriate, and accessible for voters across the state. The role offers linguists, translators, and bilingual professionals a meaningful opportunity to support civic access and strengthen statewide translation standards.

Applicants must meet statutory criteria, including:

 

  • Being a current Connecticut resident
     
  • Having experience in at least one municipality that receives translated election materials
  • Being proficient in reading and writing English and one or more Spanish dialects used in Connecticut, and
  • Having experience in election administration (such as serving as a poll worker) or in bilingual educational or community assistance programs.

If you are interested in joining the TAC, please email SOTS.TranslationAdvisoryCommittee@CT.gov to express interest or request additional information. 

Applicants will be asked to complete a brief application and translation exercise. Final appointment decisions are made after confirming that the applicant meets 
statutory qualifications and that TAC approves the translation exercise.

 

*Revised 5/2026