Literacy at the Polls

Welcome to Shoresides and our series on voter access. In this episode, Rend Smith sits down with Nicole Wolf-Camplin, the Adult Literacy Coordinator at the Cape Fear Literacy Council. Nicole discusses the range of programs offered by the Council, including their ESL program, which supports non-native speakers on their path to citizenship. She highlights the critical role literacy plays in ensuring voter participation, especially for individuals navigating language barriers. Join us as we explore how literacy programs can open doors to civic engagement and empower more people to vote.

Address:
1012 South 17th Street
Wilmington, NC, 28401

Phone:
(910) 251-0911

Email:
info@cfliteracy.org

Here are ten ways people with literacy challenges can be supported in voting in North Carolina:

1. Accessible Voting Guides: Provide easy-to-read, plain-language voter guides that break down candidates and issues clearly.
2. Assistance at Polls: Voters can bring someone to assist them with reading or marking the ballot.
3. Curbside Voting: For voters with physical limitations, curbside voting is available at polling locations.
4. Audio Ballots: Accessible voting machines offer audio instructions and ballots for those who struggle with reading.
5. Election Day Transportation: Offer free rides or arrange transportation to polling places, especially for those attending literacy programs.
6. Pre-election Workshops: Host community workshops to explain ballots and election processes in simple, understandable language.
7. Literacy Support Staff at Polls: Recruit volunteers or staff trained in literacy assistance to help voters on Election Day.
8. Early Voting Options: Encourage early voting, which allows more time for assistance and reduces pressure.
9. Mail-in Voting Support: Offer help in understanding and filling out absentee or mail-in ballots, especially for those who may struggle with written instructions.
10. Bilingual Resources: Ensure materials are available in multiple languages to support non-native English speakers.

These steps help ensure that voters with literacy challenges have the tools and support needed to cast their ballots.