© "The ballot is in English and every title, office title, ballot heading, is followed by Spanish," said Dakota County Clerk Theodore Piepho.DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (KTIV) -
Casting a vote in Dakota County, Nebraska? You might notice your ballot looks different this year. It's the only one in Siouxland that's printed in two languages.
"The ballot is in English and every title, office title, ballot heading, is followed by Spanish," said Dakota County Clerk Theodore Piepho.
Piepho says it's because of a mandate by the Department of Justice. Dakota County qualifies because 2010 Census data showed more than 5% of "all voting age citizens" fall in the Spanish language group, and the illiteracy rate of that group is higher than the national rate.
To comply they've added Spanish, not to just the ballots, but more.
"Any documentation throughout the precincts. Posters, any instructions have to be in Spanish as well," said Piepho.
The country's already tried it once in the primary, without issue. Still, opinions of those we talked to were mixed. Some like it.
"More opportunity for people to vote. Spanish is the second common language in the United States, especially these areas; Sioux City, South Sioux. I think it's a great idea," said Michael Cardenas.
Others don't.
"I just think it should be in English, mainly. It's kind of like a handicap," said one person who preferred not to give his name.
Whether you like it or not, Piepho says Spanish will stay until the 2020 Census. That's when the county can reevaluate their population.
"If we were less than 5%, that would be a good argument that we not provide the Spanish ballot. But, I don't foresee that. I think once you start you just as well continue," said Piepho.
