A sample ballot in the in the Yup'ik. Source: Alaska Division of Elections

A federal judge ordered the state of Alaska to do more to assist Yup’ik language speakers in time for the November 4, 2014, election.

In a ruling from the bench, Judge Sharon Gleason said the state didn't provide adequate materials for Native voters, according to news reports. The state agreed to submit a response plan by Friday.

The lawsuit, Toyukuk v. Treadwell, was filed by the Native American Rights Fund on behalf of two tribes and two Yup’ik voters. The plaintiffs will be able to respond to the state's submission before Gleason issues a final order regarding the upcoming election, according to minutes of today's hearing.

Gleason has yet to rule on other claims raised by the plaintiffs.

Get the Story:
Native language speakers win voting rights lawsuit against state (The Anchorage Daily News 9/3)
Federal Judge Makes Order in Native Voting Materials Case (KTUU 9/3)

Related Stories:
Al Jazeera: State struggles with Native language voting material (08/19)
Elise Patkotak: Alaska Natives deserve to vote in their languages (07/09)
APRN: Federal judge opens trial into Native languages at polls (06/24)
Julie Kitka: Alaska must protect voting rights of Native people (06/12)
DOJ to consult tribes about polling locations in Indian Country (6/10)
Judge tells Alaska to offer voting material in Native languages (6/5)