Ad Astra is proud to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with Athens-Clarke County (ACC), Georgia - published by Government Technology, to enhance voter access through innovative language solutions. This initiative marks a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive electoral process, ensuring Limited English Proficient (LEP) voters can fully participate in democracy.
Govtech.com is the online portal to Government Technology, a division of e.Republic LLC. Government Technology and its sister publications are an award-winning family of magazines covering information technology's role in state and local governments. Through in-depth coverage of IT case studies, emerging technologies and the implications of digital technology on the policies and management of public sector organizations, Government Technology chronicles the dynamics of governing in the information age. Managers, elected officials, CIOs and technology staff at all levels of government gain IT news and event information from Government Technology magazine.
For the first time, ACC voters had the option to access ballots in Spanish during the November 2024 election. Partnering with Ad Astra, the ACC Board of Elections voluntarily implemented this language access initiative to support diverse communities and increase voter turnout. By enabling voters to select Spanish on ballot-marking devices, the project fosters unity and demonstrates respect for cultural diversity.
Charlotte Sosebee, ACC’s Director of Elections and Voter Registration, shared her enthusiasm:
“It’s helping LEP voters feel included in our government and our electoral process. This initiative brings unity and respect for cultural backgrounds, and we’re eager to see its impact on voter turnout.”
Ad Astra’s role as a trusted language provider extends beyond translation. Leveraging advanced tools and expertise, Ad Astra ensured every ballot and signage met the highest standards of accuracy and clarity. This seamless collaboration allowed ACC to focus on implementation without the delays of a traditional RFP process.
Ad Astra Founder and CEO, Elena Petrova, highlighted the significance of this work:
“We believe in equal access to information, no matter one’s language or background. By providing innovative language solutions, we empower communities to participate fully in civic processes, strengthening the foundation of democracy.”
This partnership sets a precedent for other counties and states to follow. As Georgia’s demographics continue to diversify, the ACC Board of Elections is already exploring opportunities to expand language access to other languages.
Sosebee advises other government entities to take a proactive approach, saying:
“Start by understanding your state’s demographics. Being open to multilingual ballots and accessible voting processes is key to ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.”
Data from the 2021 American Community Survey shows that 8% of individuals aged 5 or older in the U.S. are LEP, emphasizing the importance of providing inclusive solutions. Ad Astra's commitment to equal access ensures governments can serve their constituents effectively while complying with federal mandates like Title VI.
As a one-stop solution for language access and multilingual communication, Ad Astra supports over 350 languages and dialects. From translation and interpretation to cutting-edge AI-powered tools, the company bridges gaps in communication, ensuring equitable access for all.
Ad Astra’s partnership with Athens-Clarke County is just the beginning. As we continue to innovate and collaborate, our mission remains clear: to build bridges across cultures and create a world where everyone’s voice matters.