Denver community members with an interest in promoting voting and access to the ballot are encouraged to apply for membership on the ACCESO Spanish-Language Voter Advisory Board. This board assists the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Elections Division with elections outreach efforts to Denver ’s limited-English, Spanish-speaking citizens. Central goals include making voting materials more accessible, ensuring an adequate number of Spanish-speaking poll workers, and increasing voting participation.
The advisory board was formed in 2003 in response to the federal mandate to assist the city in reaching out to Denver ’s Spanish-speaking population with bilingual election materials and information. ACCESO (which means “access” in Spanish) has a six-year history of active commitment to its mission, and provides an invaluable service to the city and its limited-English-speaking voters. In early 2010 it was re-created through enactment of a city ordinance to give it permanence and a more formal structure.
Membership is voluntary and unpaid. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings and to participate in community outreach efforts. Thirteen to twenty-five members will sit on the board. Representation from a broad demographic range is sought to mirror the Denver Latino community. Applicants must be registered voters and should have a history of involvement with the Spanish-speaking community. Fluency in Spanish is especially welcomed. Applications will be reviewed by the ACCESO transition committee, and members will be appointed by the Clerk and Recorder.
Additional information about ACCESO and an application form may be found at www.denvergov.org/acceso, or call 720-865-4872 to request an application. Deadline to apply is Monday, March 29.
