Fed Gov’t Orders Bilingual Electoral Ballots in 25 States
- Posted on October 14, 2011 at 8:27am by
Billy Hallowell
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WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — In the run-up to the 2012 elections, the federal government is ordering that 248 counties and other political jurisdictions provide bilingual ballots to Hispanics and other minorities who speak little or no English.
That number is down from a decade ago following the 2000 census, which covered 296 counties in 30 states. In all, more than 1 in 18 jurisdictions must now provide foreign-language assistance in pre-election publicity, voter registration, early voting and absentee applications as well as Election Day balloting.
The latest requirements, mandated under the Voting Rights Act, partly reflect second and third generations of racial and ethnic minorities who are now reporting higher levels of proficiency in English than their parents. Still, analysts cite a greater potential for resistance from localities that face tighter budgets, new laws requiring voter IDs at polls and increased anti-immigration sentiment.
Kerry Dougherty, a columnist for the Virginian-Pilot, addresses cost concerns, writing, “How much will this bilingual blowout cost? No one knows. Yet. No one in Washington seems to care. And why should they? This is just one more unfunded mandate from the feds.” Clearly, this is a concern.
Effective this week, Hispanics who don’t speak English proficiently will be entitled to Spanish-language election material in urban areas of political battleground states including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin and Utah, as well as the entire states of California, Florida and Texas. For the first time, people from India will get election material in their native language, in voting precincts in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, due to their fast population growth.
More American Indian tribal languages will be made available in many parts of Alaska, Arizona and Mississippi, while Vietnamese and Taiwanese will get their own voting assistance in several new areas, including parts of Washington state, Texas, Massachusetts and California. Asian Bangladeshi must be provided for the first time in Hamtramck, Mich, which neighbors Detroit.
“We would like to be in a society where everyone has equal opportunities to vote, but that‘s not the reality we’re living in today,” said James Thomas Tucker, a former Justice Department attorney who is now a voting rights lawyer in Las Vegas. Tucker said the law has been key in the election of new Hispanic and Asian officials in many places, even as he noted that a vocal English-only language movement and new budget constraints on local governments could stir fresh tensions.
“Some jurisdictions will see pushback,” he said.
The Voting Rights Act provision, first approved by Congress in 1975, requires states, counties and political subdivisions to supply versions of ballots and election materials in other languages if a Latino, Asian-American, American Indian or Alaskan minority group makes up more than 5 percent of the voting-age population or at least 10,000 citizens.
The minorities must be unable to speak or understand English well enough to vote in elections, a proficiency level determined by those who indicate in census surveys that they don’t speak English “very well.” The minority group also should have literacy rates ranking below the national average.
In all, 248 counties and other political divisions must provide election materials involving 68 covered languages in 25 states, according to the list released Wednesday by the Census Bureau. The agency puts together the list based on its review of survey data on minority population growth, educational attainment and English proficiency.
It was the first decline in the total number since the bureau began compiling the list with English-proficiency criteria in the 1980s.
Under a separate provision of the Voting Rights Act, some 200 other jurisdictions are already required to provide bilingual material, including the entire states of Alaska, Arizona and Texas. With the newest additions this week, the total number of counties or subdivisions with requirements is more than 1 in 18.
The language requirements already have drawn fire from some Republicans, who complain they are too burdensome on local governments.
In a letter in August, Reps. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., who chairs a Judiciary subcommittee, and Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., who heads the House oversight panel on the census, asked the Census Bureau to delay release of the list to reexamine its criteria, given state and local budget crises they said will make it harder for localities to comply. They cited the case of Cuyahoga County in Ohio, which spent more than $100,000 on bilingual ballots in a light-turnout primary election last May.
Localities have struggled in the past with compliance, since they are left to figure out the best ways to provide bilingual materials at a reasonable cost. Shortly before the Voting Rights provisions were reauthorized in 2006, a Pew Center on the States study found that elected officials often would “ponder the impact of implementing – or in some cases sidestepping – the federal requirements.”
It cited some confusion over how many bilingual ballots to print, or what types of election materials are covered. But Pew and separate government studies said compliance often could be achieved at lower cost by hiring bilingual poll workers who perform dual functions of translation and other Election Day tasks, as well as printing sample bilingual ballots that minorities could refer to.
The continuing demands for bilingual balloting come at a time when residents in the U.S. are increasingly likely to speak a language other than English at home, but who are also now more likely to have lived in the U.S. for at least a decade and be naturalized citizens who vote.
Eugene Lee, voting rights project director at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, noted the significant impact that language assistance has had on voting and the election of Asian-Americans in places such as California. In Los Angeles County, officials will now be required to offer materials in Cambodian and Asian Indian languages in addition to Spanish, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese.
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Comments (102)
OverFiend
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:19pmIf you have been here long enough to have the right to vote but can’nt speak the ENGLISH YOU SHOULD NOT BE VOTING11 learn ENGLISH DAMNIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:59pmAgreed .. and who is this for really? .. those who become citizens SHOULD have to learn English … don’t tell me illegals may be voting in our elections .. say it isn’t so (yes I know they are too)
TEA!
Report Post »PubliusPencilman
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 9:05pmAccording to the article, the number of counties that need bilingual ballots is declining. Seems to me that the fact that the US is willing to include non-english speakers in participatory government has lead to increased assimilation, at least in the next generation.
So the alternative is to disenfranchise this population, to deny them a very basic right of citizenship because they don’t speak a language that is not the official language of the country? Yes. I’m sure that will make these people want to be more American.
Report Post »ICRedifURBlue
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 10:21pmIf the illiterate aren‘t able to vote the democRATS just won’t get elected…………
Report Post »anniebsings
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 10:34pmmy husband, who was born in Europe, had to not only speak and write in English in order to become a U.S. citizen, but also had to answer basic questions about American Government; (ie how many branches in US government, what are they, how many members of Congress, etc.)
What the heck?
Report Post »Discord
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 11:22pmOverfiend, you clearly don’t understand the english language yourself.
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:35amYou are supposed to be a citizen to vote. To get your citizenship you have to take a test on US history and the constitution. The test is (or should be) in english, the language of the country. Ergo if you can pass a citizenship test you can read and write english well enough to read a ballot.
OMG – Psalm 109:8
Report Post »Sheepdog911
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:25amI was unaware that any candidates name read differenty in Spanish, German, Polish or virtually any other language that it is in English. If you can’t understand or read Herman Cain, Rick Perry or Barry Sotero in Rnglish as Herman Cain, Rick Perry or Barry Sotero in any other language, besides perhaps Klingon, you have no business voting in the first place. You’re voting in the U.S., English is the language. Get over it, or go home.
Report Post »Lt_Taz
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:19pmJust making it easier for illegal aliens to vote
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:37amYou got that right!!!!!
OMG – Psalm 109:8
Report Post »JohnQTaxpayer
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:18pmHere they come; Werewolves, Vampires, and Hyenas
(Oooooo I forgot) and Liars
Ok taxpayers let’s get ready for, the parade of liars or the 2012 election cycle.
Are you ready for the fantastic stories?
I, Hercules (your elected representative) with my bare hands ripped off your front door, ran into your burning house, with my super urine, put out the fire, saved your children, their grandparents, the dog, pet fish and gerbil, Vote for me.
I, Sir Lancelot (your elected representative) with my bright armor, sword, and shield went to battle and vanquished the evil trolls who wanted to take your children sell them into slavery to the republicans who were going to use them in child labor camps making oil barrels. Vote for me
I, Joan of Arc (your elected representative) after being set on fire, to the tle of the rich, took their money, gold, and jewels and gave it to the poor. Vote for me
I, Wonder-Woman (your elected representative) have been in a steel cage match with the invisible man, the joker, Billy the Kid, Charles Manson, Lucifer, Donald Trump, and both Bushes 41 and 43 all at the same time. Because I was victorious you are safe to walk the streets. Vote for me.
after the election
They run amok thru the land, a wild pack of Werewolves and Vampires running down taxpayers ripping them from limb to limb. The talons, fangs, and claws come out shredding taxpayers at every turn. Leaving the remains for their constituents the Hyenas (Unions and Welfar
Report Post »Thatsitivehadenough
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:13pmDO YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD SHOW I.D. TO VOTE? Then check these out:
Show I.D. To Vote:
https://www.facebook.com/ShowIDtoVote
https://sites.google.com/site/showidtovote/
Report Post »762x51
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 8:44pmI have to show ID to vote and my family has been in this country since before the Declaration of Independence. SO the answer to your question is YES!
Report Post »Amma K
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 9:16pmI have to show my ID to buy a bottle of wine……… Yes – ID should be shown for something as important as voting. If you have nothing to hide – you should have no problem showing your ID?!?
Report Post »Lt_Taz
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 11:11pmHmmm, maybe if they add E-Verify, if that ever passes
Report Post »DanWesson455
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:04amThis story, the above links from Thatsitivehadenough, just more sauce for the gander. More Poop to hit the fan. Somehow, I can’t explain it, this doesn’t surprise me in the least.
Report Post »JediPatriot
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:12pmThe federal government can only enforce the Constitution. Unless there is something in the Constitution about bilingual election ballots (and there isn’t), refer to Arizona versus Miranda, or Norton versus Shelby County, or Marbury versus Madison.
Report Post »Peace
encinom
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 8:21pmRefer to the 14th Amendment and the fact every citizens is entitled to due process and being treated fairly under the law. Disenfranchisment of voting rights is a violation of due process.
Report Post »JediPatriot
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 8:57pm@ encinom – That has nothing to do with bilingual ballots. The national language of the United States of America, as noted on both Wikipedia, and the US Archives, is English. And now, since the law was passed that all applications for US citizenship must be in english (not sure when that will be enforced) that only proves my point. It’s hard enough, now that the government has control of our schools, for people to get a good education in english, that we must now pander to those who refuse to learn the language of the country that they wish to be a part of. My suggestion to you; read “The Federalist” AKA “The Federalist Papers”. Written by those who helped write the Constitution, it explains everything about the Constitution so “no-brainers”, like Obama and Pelosi, can understand it better. I would suggest that they read it too, but, alas, they do not read my emails or letters.
Report Post »Peace
RepubliCorp
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 9:16pmENCINOM and we should provide a bus and maybe a box lunch?
Report Post »MHP
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 10:07pmencinom
Hey Obama black ass brown noser, we do it here in this state. You have to show state ID to even register to vote here.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 10:20pmIf BO wanted a drivers license if Florida he would have to show Proof of birth!!!!
Report Post »tutilal
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:10pmEXCUSE ME….. if you dont speak the language of the Country that is feeding and housing you for free, you dont have the right to use your own language. Then, why did you leave your country of origin in the first place????? That is one of the many reasons the goverment at all levels is broke, trying to translate everything for the so call minorieties that they dont even read on their own language.
Report Post »I say LETS STOP TRANSLATING INTO SPANISH, LETS STOP PRINTING EVERYGHITN IN SPANISH. Even the cupons on the sunday paper are translated into spanish, and very bad !!
We all should boycot everything that is said in spanish!!!! I know that politics is very bad and some one we know…… is desperate to get votes regardles or where he gets them.. from the trash!!
encinom
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 8:23pmIts the Bigots parade on the Blaze, no facts just racist rants.
Report Post »Defends the TRUTH
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 9:17pmEncinom- Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…cry me a river for the bi-linguals..my spouse speaks 4 languages and was born outside the USA, became and American citizen in early 20′s. Now, speaks only ENGLISH!!! (while in rome do as the romans do) Other Countries DO NOT do that for illegals
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:10pmIf you can’t speak and understand the native language you should not be voting. What a joke.
Report Post »Doc Rosceaux
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:10pmJust one more PC attempt to fast track Balkanization of this country !!! That process has never worked well ….
Report Post »Doc Rosceaux
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:10pmJust one more PC attempt to fast track Balkanization of this country !!! That process has never worked well ….
Report Post »ThankBabyJesus
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:07pm¿Qué
Report Post »Shiroi Raion
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:03pmIf they can’t speak English, it is highly unlikely that they will know what the issues are or what the candidates (at least say what they) believe. They will be voting based on party prejudices or simply how they’re told to vote.
Report Post »Amma K
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 9:20pmOr paid to vote!
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 2:16am@Shiroi Raion
Report Post »Dim voters don’t know what the issues are, no matter what language they speak. Remember it’s the jackass party.
garbagecanlogic
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:01pmBut they still can’t find a way to get absentee ballots to our troops overseas and then get them back in time for the elections. Something stinks, I think it is Obama and his cabinet.
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
Bill Rowland
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:44amNotice that the areas that are slow getting out the mail in ballots to our military (and therefore recieve them to late to count) are the ones who vote democrat.
OMG – Psalm 109:8
Report Post »Santa Cruz Kid
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:01pmMinority rules!
Report Post »Longing for Change
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 7:00pmRemember the story last week where the news media attacked states that “required” photo ID in order to actually cast your vote. The media went on to say that if ID is required to prove who you are, there might be as many as 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 people who will not be able to vote. PMSNBC thought that an outrage since well over 95% of those unable to vote without ID would be democrats.
How many people would vote for Nobama if they were not required to learn our language, nor prove they were a citizen of this Country.?
This isn’t the same country that I served! Taking away CCW permits in Three states that have mail in formats. Allowing illegals to vote for president. Allowing communist protestors to protest in cities all throughout the country. I pray almost every day that God will help Americans up and help us take back this country.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 2:22amAllowing a stupid commie agitator to become president; that’s the worst one.
Report Post »thebabyguy
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:52pmStart by killing all lawyers. That should fast track a solution to this stupidity.
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on October 15, 2011 at 6:46amThat woud sure decimate congress.
OMG – Psalm 109:8
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:37pmIm looking for another way to say screw you, not in english maby kenyan or something………………
Report Post »Bravestarr
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:34pmUnless it includes EVERY other world language, it should remain English only.
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:34pmI had no idea that requiring ballots to be in anything but ENGLISH was mandated by the Fed. Gov.
This is absolutely insane and a waste of money. To become a citizen don’t you have to be able
to speak and read english in order to take the tests?? I know in Georgia to take any of the Ga. Bar Assoc. tests you have to be able to speak English and cannot have a translator.
I think a requirement to vote in the USA in any election it should be that the person could read and
Report Post »speak english. Or at least READ english.
Bete Noire
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:49pmI became a U.S. citizen in 2008. I did my interview and test in Miami. No problem. You have to read a paragraph of English out loud to your immigration officer, then you had to write a sentence in English. There was an oral test about U.S. history and government in English. In the cubicle right next to me I overheard an immigration officer administer the entire interview and test in Spanish. My officer was a caucasian woman about 50 years old. I told her I thought all tests were supposed to be in English. She just looked at me and said “We don’t talk about that around here.” and gave me a frustrated look. you could tell she wasn’t happy about it and many people were getting rammed through the process without the english language criteria.
Report Post »Cherynn
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:27pmHmmm, I dont speak english, I dont know what the canidates stand for or campaigned on but I want to vote. Which button do I push to select the king???
Report Post »Buck Shane
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:28pmWhy assimilate?
Report Post »twolaneflash
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:26pmEef yu no speeka dee Ingleesh, yu no needa ta voat!!!
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:45pmTwolaneflash
This is my sentiments exactly………….
Report Post »JCoolman
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:25pmThis multiculturalism crap needs to stop. If you can’t read english, then you can’t vote. Period.
Report Post »Cindy in CA
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:23pmI thought only US citizens were allowed to vote. To be a US citizens you have to be able to speak, read and write in English.
pennsy.357
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:36pmI couldn’t agree more; we need Government to pass a law declaring English as the official language and the only language spoken in this country. When our ancestors immigrated to this great country 100-150 years ago no one spoke Irish, Italian, German, or any other language other than English. I get upset everytime I visit a department store like Lowes and see bilingual signs, this is AMERICA we speak English and I shouldn’t have to press 1 to hear my own language in my own country.
Report Post »brian88
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:21pmsniiiiiiiffffff > ahhhh….. I love the smell of desperation in the air
Report Post »UBETHECHANGE
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:23pmYou nailed it…desperation.
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:43pmExactly
Report Post »geonj
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:15pmif they don’t speak english, how will they know where a candidate stands? or are these the ignorant voters who always vote democrat?
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:14pmBilingual? There are 4 languages there. English, Spanish, Mandarin (or is that Cantonese?), und Korean. Nonetheless, still rediculous.
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