Why should people be allowed to vote if they don't understand a ballot that's printed in English?

Question

Just think how much money we would save if you only printed ballots in English?

Answer 1

i think they should be in english only. this is a english speaking country and if you want to live here you need to learn how to speak and read english.

Answer 2

I don't believe it is necessarily a racist question. Since it is a requirement of US citizenship to be able to speak the English language, it would seem that there should be no need to print ballots in other languages. The citizenship test requires basic understanding of the English language -and the written word is included. That being said, there are Amendments and Bonds that many people have a difficult time understanding their real meaning when they are presented in the voting booth. I believe those should be worded in a manner that all voters can understand in plain English and hidden agendas can't squeak by within those law changes.

Answer 3

I'm not sure what country you're asking from, but in the US, literacy tests were abolished as a requirement to vote. People can vote without knowing how to read ANY language, let alone English. Blind people also can vote. Both of these classes of people can have someone help them when voting.

Also note that there is no English competency test for US citizenship, at least for people born in the US. "George W Bush" is "George W Bush" and "John Kerry" is "John Kerry" in English, Spanish, Swahili, or whatever.

So, the real question is, are you prejudiced against people who don't know how to read, or against blind people, or against people who don't speak English?

Answer 4

I think they should not have the right to vote unless they speak english, if they want to be here so bad, they should learn the language, what i hate press one for english press dos for espanol give me a break what country are we in?

Answer 5

This question reminds me of the "grandfather" clauses that were used before the civil rights movement to prevent black people from voting. Everyone who is a citizen of this country should have the right to vote, regardless of native language. Doing otherwise would be discriminating against our own citizens.

As far as whether our government should or shouldn't adopt an "English-only" policy, please see my extensive answer to that question here:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgoZXJlNCO8Qwf4D2g1_UdDsy6IX?qid=1006050809516

Answer 6

that's the way it should be. English is our official language. If you can't speak it, learn it or get out. Seriously.