DEARBORN, MI — After being made aware of a typographical error on Arabic-language ballots, Dearborn City Clerk George T. Darany released the following statement:

“Yesterday, November 2^nd, the Dearborn City Clerk’s office was made aware of a typographical error immediately impacting 11 submitted Arabic-language ballots for the upcoming General Election. The error appears in the Nonpartisan Section of the ballot under “Justice of Supreme Court.” While this section should instruct voters to choose “not more than 2” candidates, the Arabic ballots instead say “not more than one.” (Please see the attached photo.)

This error appears only on the Arabic language ballots, and only in this section. 

Upon learning of the error, our office immediately notified the State of Michigan Election Bureau and determined the number of absentee voters who needed to be notified. After a thorough and accurate accounting of Arabic absentee ballots, we determined the following: 

-As of this writing, a total of 34 Arabic absentee ballots have been sent out to Dearborn voters.  

-Of these, 11 have been completed and returned to the City Clerk’s office. 

-23 outstanding Arabic absentee ballots were sent out but have yet to be returned. 

Today, we contacted all 34 voters who either requested or submitted an Arabic absentee ballot and informed them of the typo. They were also informed that they could, if they so choose, make changes to the affected section on their ballots by visiting the Dearborn City Clerk’s Office. 

Moving forward, all Dearborn election officials have been instructed to provide voters a written statement explaining the error on the Arabic ballots, in accordance with guidance from the State of Michigan Election Bureau. This statement will be provided only to those who elect to use an Arabic ballot, whether in early or absentee voting or on Election Day. It is important to note that the Arabic ballots have been tested in accordance with election protocols, and the ballots can accurately register up to 2 selections in the affected section. 

These ballots were subject to a thorough review by a highly selective translation committee. However, errors can still happen. While we deeply regret the error, we are committed to working closely with all county and state election officials to ensure a fair and transparent resolution.”