In an update to an earlier post, it seems Yup'ik voters will indeed be able to vote in Yup'ik. The State of Alaska lost its case in a July 30 decision which ordered the state to provide trained poll workers who are bilingual in English and Yup'ik; sample ballots in written Yup'ik; a written Yup'ik glossary of
election terms; consultation with local Tribes to ensure the accuracy of Yup'ik translations; a Yup'ik language coordinator; and pre-election and post-election reports to the court to track the State's efforts. Finally, a victory for Native language efforts. See ADN story.
Do you think it would be possible to start an initiative to make all or at least some of Alaska's native languages co-official with English? I would certainly sign that petition, and vote that way, and do grassroots campaigning...
ReplyDeletehttp://ltgov.state.ak.us/elections/petitions/irr.php