58% Want English-Only Ballots

[Cecilie1200]

In order to vote you have to be a citizen. To become a citizen you have to know some English. Why do they print ballots in other languages?

58% Want English-Only Ballots - Rasmussen Reports™

In order to be a citizen, you do have to know "some" English. I think they print ballots in other languages in order to make it possible for those who knew enough English to become a citizen to vote, but who might not be able to understand the writing on the ballots. As you know, ballots contain more than just names. They also contain detailed arguments pro and con on the people running and the issues before the electorate.

Don't forget, this is America. You know that lady who stands in the harbor in New York, right?

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus, 1883

They know some english, but don't understand the writing Secondly, are you suggesting that they are using the ballot to inform themselves of candidate's positions, and issues? They have no prior knowledge? How did they know where to go to vote? Are street signs in hebrew?

You didn't know that speaking a language is different from reading and writing it? It's actually a lot easier to learn verbal communication than it is to learn written. That's why children learn to talk well before they learn to read and write.

I am suggesting that they are using the description on the ballot to understand which issue they're voting on on that particular line, and what the meaning of a "Yes" or "No" vote is, which is necessary on a ballot that can have a dozen or more initiatives on it, often with two or three dealing with the same or similar topic in different ways. Also, the initiatives can often be written confusingly, requiring you to pay close attention to be sure which answer will give you the result you want. I've seen a few that even I had to look at twice to be clear on.

Street signs are not even remotely similar to initiative descriptions, and you know it. Don't be disingenuous. I don't speak OR read Spanish, but I can still read and pronounce the Spanish names of streets around here.

 

[George Costanza]

You may not compel an American citizen to learn English as a condition of exercising his Constitutional right to vote.

True - but only citizens can vote, and you must be able to "speak English" to become a U.S. citizen. However, the degree of literacy in English is minimal - probably not enough to ensure intelligent voting in the event someone because a citizen with merely the minimal ability required.

 

[Cecilie1200]

Requirements to become a US Citizen are as follows, I believe

1. Are at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder);
2. Have resided continuously in the United States, having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or
3. Have, after having been removed from conditional permanent resident status, based upon your marriage to a U.S. citizen, having resided in the United States for one year after the date the condition was removed;
4. Have resided continuously in the United States at all times after your application to the time and date of your admission for citizenship;
5. Have, during all periods of time referred to above, been and still are a person of good moral character;
6. Have no outstanding deportation or removal order and no pending deportation or removal proceeding;
7. Have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand simple words and phrases in English;
8. Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government;
9. Are attached to, and can support, the principles of the U.S. Constitution and can swear allegiance to the United States.

Condition 2 requires that you have lived in the US for 5 years, and condition 3 that you have lived here for 3 years (2 years conditional residence, plus 1 additional year). So, in order to become a US citizen, you must have lived here for a minimum of 3 years.

How can you not learn enough English to fill out a ballot sheet in 3 years?

Pretty easily. New immigrants tend to live in areas full of other immigrants from the same culture. They associate with their own families and other people from that culture. They interact with English speakers when they have to, but it hardly requires you to be a fluent enough English READER to understand the sometimes confusing initiative descriptions.

 

[get_involved]

In order to vote you have to be a citizen. To become a citizen you have to know some English. Why do they print ballots in other languages?

58% Want English-Only Ballots - Rasmussen Reports™

In order to be a citizen, you do have to know "some" English. I think they print ballots in other languages in order to make it possible for those who knew enough English to become a citizen to vote, but who might not be able to understand the writing on the ballots. As you know, ballots contain more than just names. They also contain detailed arguments pro and con on the people running and the issues before the electorate.

Don't forget, this is America. You know that lady who stands in the harbor in New York, right?

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus, 1883

That quote on the Statue of Liberty was never there when the French gave it to us. It was added well into the 20th Century. Added not by a vote of the people but by a pro-immgration poet who somehow successfully lobbied to get it snuck in.

Besides, there is quite a difference between immigration over 100 years ago and now. 100 years ago there was still vast unsettled territory and absolutely no welfare state. People came here to work. Even then we kept a close eye on immigration and even passed the fair and level-headed national origins immigration act in 1925. We need that act re-instated.

The inscription on the Statue of Liberty is—poetry on a work of art—not a law or government policy of the USA.

 

[George Costanza]

In order to vote you have to be a citizen. To become a citizen you have to know some English. Why do they print ballots in other languages?

58% Want English-Only Ballots - Rasmussen Reports™

The fact that 58% of the electorate wants Enligsh only ballots doesn't mean diddly poop, by the way. In matters of fundamental right (such as the constitutionally protected right to vote) the will of the majority always takes a back seat to constitutional provisions.

The majority of the electorate will enact a racist law in a heartbeat, many times. It has happened in California and the law had to be struck down by the California Supreme Court. (It probably would not have been struck down today, what with the conservative judges that now dominate our Supreme Court at present.)

Put some racist law on the ballot in a few of the southern states today, and see what happens. Yeah, that's what I said.

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

Sounds like a contradiction in terms.

lol -

Yes, it does. It’s a blending of politics and law, unfortunately.

A jurisdiction may say: ‘English is our official language, but the law allows us to accommodate non-English speakers in an “un-official” capacity.’

Having done government work helps.

 

[George Costanza]

In order to vote you have to be a citizen. To become a citizen you have to know some English. Why do they print ballots in other languages?

58% Want English-Only Ballots - Rasmussen Reports™

In order to be a citizen, you do have to know "some" English. I think they print ballots in other languages in order to make it possible for those who knew enough English to become a citizen to vote, but who might not be able to understand the writing on the ballots. As you know, ballots contain more than just names. They also contain detailed arguments pro and con on the people running and the issues before the electorate.

Don't forget, this is America. You know that lady who stands in the harbor in New York, right?

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus, 1883

That quote on the Statue of Liberty was never there when the French gave it to us. It was added well into the 20th Century. Added not by a vote of the people but by a pro-immgration poet who somehow successfully lobbied to get it snuck in.

Besides, there is quite a difference between immigration over 100 years ago and now. 100 years ago there was still vast unsettled territory and absolutely no welfare state. People came here to work. Even then we kept a close eye on immigration and even passed the fair and level-headed national origins immigration act in 1925. We need that act re-instated.

The inscription on the Statue of Liberty is—poetry on a work of art—not a law or government policy of the USA.

It was written in 1883, as I indicated at the end of the quoted inscription.

Golly, whatever happened to the National Origins Immigration Act of 1924, by the way?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_Act_of_1924

 

[oldsalt]

In order to vote you have to be a citizen. To become a citizen you have to know some English. Why do they print ballots in other languages?

Because to do otherwise would be un-Constitutional:

Arizona voters passed an English-only law as an Amendment to the Arizona Constitution adopted through a petition drive that culminated in a general election in November 1988. The Amendment provides that English was the official language of the State of Arizona, and that the State and its political subdivisions must "act" only in English. In April 1998, the Arizona Supreme Court held that the amendment violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in that it adversely impacted the constitutional rights of non-English speaking persons regarding access to their government, and that it limited political speech of elected officials and public employees. The court also held that the amendment violates the EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE of the FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT to the United States Constitution in that it unduly burdens core First Amendment rights of a specific class without materially advancing a legitimate STATE INTEREST. Plaintiffs in the case were four elected officials, five state employees, and one public school teacher. All plaintiffs are bilingual and regularly communicated in both Spanish and English as private citizens and during the performance of government business. The court noted that although 21 states and 40 municipalities have official English statutes, most of those provisions are substantially less encompassing and less proscriptive than Arizona's Amendment. In mid January 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court denied review of the case, then known as Ruiz v. Hull, 191 Ariz. 441, 957 P.2d 984 (1998).

English-Only Laws - Further Readings - Language, Official, Government, Court, United, and Amendment

A given jurisdiction may establish English as its ‘official language’ but must still accommodate non-English speakers.

And as we all know Puerto Ricans are American citizens, with equal voting rights once they reside in the US proper. Many Puerto Ricans do not speak English. You may not compel an American citizen to learn English as a condition of exercising his Constitutional right to vote.

Then why are street signs only in english? The name on the ballot will appear the same, no matter the language.

 

[Lars]

Not only that, but voting privileges should be severely curtailed through civics and literacy tests. A government is a reflection of the people, this government reflects a piss poor population because universal democracy caters to the lowest common denominator. Voting should be restricted to the intelligent and informed, and the government should reflect the best of the society.

 

[Tank]

Why should they want to learn english, if everything is printed in their language?

 

[oldsalt]

Requirements to become a US Citizen are as follows, I believe

1. Are at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder);
2. Have resided continuously in the United States, having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or
3. Have, after having been removed from conditional permanent resident status, based upon your marriage to a U.S. citizen, having resided in the United States for one year after the date the condition was removed;
4. Have resided continuously in the United States at all times after your application to the time and date of your admission for citizenship;
5. Have, during all periods of time referred to above, been and still are a person of good moral character;
6. Have no outstanding deportation or removal order and no pending deportation or removal proceeding;
7. Have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand simple words and phrases in English;
8. Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government;
9. Are attached to, and can support, the principles of the U.S. Constitution and can swear allegiance to the United States.

Condition 2 requires that you have lived in the US for 5 years, and condition 3 that you have lived here for 3 years (2 years conditional residence, plus 1 additional year). So, in order to become a US citizen, you must have lived here for a minimum of 3 years.

How can you not learn enough English to fill out a ballot sheet in 3 years?

Pretty easily. New immigrants tend to live in areas full of other immigrants from the same culture. They associate with their own families and other people from that culture. They interact with English speakers when they have to, but it hardly requires you to be a fluent enough English READER to understand the sometimes confusing initiative descriptions.

Fluent = recognizing a name????

 

[Susan45]

Requirements to become a US Citizen are as follows, I believe

1. Are at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder);
2. Have resided continuously in the United States, having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or
3. Have, after having been removed from conditional permanent resident status, based upon your marriage to a U.S. citizen, having resided in the United States for one year after the date the condition was removed;
4. Have resided continuously in the United States at all times after your application to the time and date of your admission for citizenship;
5. Have, during all periods of time referred to above, been and still are a person of good moral character;
6. Have no outstanding deportation or removal order and no pending deportation or removal proceeding;
7. Have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand simple words and phrases in English;
8. Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government;
9. Are attached to, and can support, the principles of the U.S. Constitution and can swear allegiance to the United States.

Condition 2 requires that you have lived in the US for 5 years, and condition 3 that you have lived here for 3 years (2 years conditional residence, plus 1 additional year). So, in order to become a US citizen, you must have lived here for a minimum of 3 years.

How can you not learn enough English to fill out a ballot sheet in 3 years?

Easy tigarbob, speaking English and reading English are two different skills. If I were to immigrate to Spain (I wish) I'm sure I'd pick up enough Spanish to get along very well, but if it came to writing it I'd be lost. And I think that as a person ages it becomes even more difficult.

And I'm sure you've seen pictures of recent immigrants getting sworn in, if you think back there is always a couple of cute little old ladies in the group. It is so those little old ladies can vote too. Among others of course.

 

[tigerbob]

You may not compel an American citizen to learn English as a condition of exercising his Constitutional right to vote.

True - but only citizens can vote, and you must be able to "speak English" to become a U.S. citizen. However, the degree of literacy in English is minimal - probably not enough to ensure intelligent voting in the event someone because a citizen with merely the minimal ability required.

The "quote" that you're referencing actually wasn't my comment. And I appreciate that the standard may be minimal. It just surprises me that a grown adult who has lived here for 3 years would have been unable to pick up conversational English. Surprises and saddens.

 

[oldsalt]

Requirements to become a US Citizen are as follows, I believe

1. Are at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder);
2. Have resided continuously in the United States, having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or
3. Have, after having been removed from conditional permanent resident status, based upon your marriage to a U.S. citizen, having resided in the United States for one year after the date the condition was removed;
4. Have resided continuously in the United States at all times after your application to the time and date of your admission for citizenship;
5. Have, during all periods of time referred to above, been and still are a person of good moral character;
6. Have no outstanding deportation or removal order and no pending deportation or removal proceeding;
7. Have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand simple words and phrases in English;
8. Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government;
9. Are attached to, and can support, the principles of the U.S. Constitution and can swear allegiance to the United States.

Condition 2 requires that you have lived in the US for 5 years, and condition 3 that you have lived here for 3 years (2 years conditional residence, plus 1 additional year). So, in order to become a US citizen, you must have lived here for a minimum of 3 years.

How can you not learn enough English to fill out a ballot sheet in 3 years?

Easy tigarbob, speaking English and reading English are two different skills. If I were to immigrate to Spain (I wish) I'm sure I'd pick up enough Spanish to get along very well, but if it came to writing it I'd be lost. And I think that as a person ages it becomes even more difficult.

And I'm sure you've seen pictures of recent immigrants getting sworn in, if you think back there is always a couple of cute little old ladies in the group. It is so those little old ladies can vote too. Among others of course.

Sure, invoke the LOL's argument! C'mon, Susan! I know you! So, how many different languages do we need to print these things in?

 

[tigerbob]

Requirements to become a US Citizen are as follows, I believe

1. Are at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder);
2. Have resided continuously in the United States, having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or
3. Have, after having been removed from conditional permanent resident status, based upon your marriage to a U.S. citizen, having resided in the United States for one year after the date the condition was removed;
4. Have resided continuously in the United States at all times after your application to the time and date of your admission for citizenship;
5. Have, during all periods of time referred to above, been and still are a person of good moral character;
6. Have no outstanding deportation or removal order and no pending deportation or removal proceeding;
7. Have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand simple words and phrases in English;
8. Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government;
9. Are attached to, and can support, the principles of the U.S. Constitution and can swear allegiance to the United States.

Condition 2 requires that you have lived in the US for 5 years, and condition 3 that you have lived here for 3 years (2 years conditional residence, plus 1 additional year). So, in order to become a US citizen, you must have lived here for a minimum of 3 years.

How can you not learn enough English to fill out a ballot sheet in 3 years?

Easy tigarbob, speaking English and reading English are two different skills. If I were to immigrate to Spain (I wish) I'm sure I'd pick up enough Spanish to get along very well, but if it came to writing it I'd be lost. And I think that as a person ages it becomes even more difficult.

And I'm sure you've seen pictures of recent immigrants getting sworn in, if you think back there is always a couple of cute little old ladies in the group. It is so those little old ladies can vote too. Among others of course.

It's an interesting distinction, but I don't buy it.

It takes a little effort, sure, but it's not like this is a mountain that people are being asked to overcome. And actually, I'd contend that reading it is easier than speaking it, because one has time to stop, think, consider what is being said. One can re-read, and one doesn't have to deal with the vagaries of accents.

 

[tigerbob]

Requirements to become a US Citizen are as follows, I believe

1. Are at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder);
2. Have resided continuously in the United States, having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or
3. Have, after having been removed from conditional permanent resident status, based upon your marriage to a U.S. citizen, having resided in the United States for one year after the date the condition was removed;
4. Have resided continuously in the United States at all times after your application to the time and date of your admission for citizenship;
5. Have, during all periods of time referred to above, been and still are a person of good moral character;
6. Have no outstanding deportation or removal order and no pending deportation or removal proceeding;
7. Have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand simple words and phrases in English;
8. Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government;
9. Are attached to, and can support, the principles of the U.S. Constitution and can swear allegiance to the United States.

Condition 2 requires that you have lived in the US for 5 years, and condition 3 that you have lived here for 3 years (2 years conditional residence, plus 1 additional year). So, in order to become a US citizen, you must have lived here for a minimum of 3 years.

How can you not learn enough English to fill out a ballot sheet in 3 years?

Pretty easily. New immigrants tend to live in areas full of other immigrants from the same culture. They associate with their own families and other people from that culture. They interact with English speakers when they have to, but it hardly requires you to be a fluent enough English READER to understand the sometimes confusing initiative descriptions.

I appreciate that, but while it may be a reason it's hardly an excuse.

 

[Susan45]

Requirements to become a US Citizen are as follows, I believe

1. Are at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder);
2. Have resided continuously in the United States, having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or
3. Have, after having been removed from conditional permanent resident status, based upon your marriage to a U.S. citizen, having resided in the United States for one year after the date the condition was removed;
4. Have resided continuously in the United States at all times after your application to the time and date of your admission for citizenship;
5. Have, during all periods of time referred to above, been and still are a person of good moral character;
6. Have no outstanding deportation or removal order and no pending deportation or removal proceeding;
7. Have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand simple words and phrases in English;
8. Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government;
9. Are attached to, and can support, the principles of the U.S. Constitution and can swear allegiance to the United States.

Condition 2 requires that you have lived in the US for 5 years, and condition 3 that you have lived here for 3 years (2 years conditional residence, plus 1 additional year). So, in order to become a US citizen, you must have lived here for a minimum of 3 years.

How can you not learn enough English to fill out a ballot sheet in 3 years?

Easy tigarbob, speaking English and reading English are two different skills. If I were to immigrate to Spain (I wish) I'm sure I'd pick up enough Spanish to get along very well, but if it came to writing it I'd be lost. And I think that as a person ages it becomes even more difficult.

And I'm sure you've seen pictures of recent immigrants getting sworn in, if you think back there is always a couple of cute little old ladies in the group. It is so those little old ladies can vote too. Among others of course.

Sure, invoke the LOL's argument! C'mon, Susan! I know you! So, how many different languages do we need to print these things in?

I hope you don't mind but I'm going to stick with my LOL argument.

I honestly don't care how many languages they have to print. There are so many other things to be upset about and this is so minor, I'm sticking with my original argument.

 

[tigerbob]

Not only that, but voting privileges should be severely curtailed through civics and literacy tests. A government is a reflection of the people, this government reflects a piss poor population because universal democracy caters to the lowest common denominator. Voting should be restricted to the intelligent and informed, and the government should reflect the best of the society.

No. Too arbitrary and open to manipulation.

 

[thereisnospoon]

It should be federal law mandating our Official Language be English.
In other words. All government business by law must be conducted in English Only.
All signs, conveniences, official papers, courts, services, documents...English.
Accommodations can be made at any time when the person cannot provide their own English interpreter.

English as an official language would also assist in preserving the distinct American culture

 

[Wolfmoon]

In order to vote you have to be a citizen. To become a citizen you have to know some English. Why do they print ballots in other languages?

58% Want English-Only Ballots - Rasmussen Reports™

In order to be a citizen, you do have to know "some" English. I think they print ballots in other languages in order to make it possible for those who knew enough English to become a citizen to vote, but who might not be able to understand the writing on the ballots. As you know, ballots contain more than just names. They also contain detailed arguments pro and con on the people running and the issues before the electorate.

Don't forget, this is America. You know that lady who stands in the harbor in New York, right?

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus, 1883

This is why we don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry crossing the border and breeding in this country!

One illegal alien family, costs the U.S. taxpayers more than $32,000 in federal, state and local benefits each year. That same family contributes an average of $9,000 a year in taxes, resulting in a net tax burden of $22,449 each year. If the lower figure of 12 million illegal aliens is used for estimation purposes, the total tax burden translates to $2.2 trillion per year.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55135