Saw a Poll on TV last night

[Emancipation 2]

Saw a poll on CNN or some such show last night..

It was talking about the question - Should someone who doesn't speak English be allowed to vote on the United States.

In the 1960's the voters were split 48% by 48% on yes & no for that question..

They re-polled in the mid 90's and now it's something like 43% yes 53% no.

I called into the kitchen and asked hubby - "should someone who can't speak english be allowed to vote in the US"? To which he called back "absolutely not"..

When I asked him why he felt this way he explained that in order to become a US citizen you have to know english; Therefore you should be required to speak and understand english in order to vote in this country.

Okay..

So I think about it.. and I'm like.. huh? Totally lost there..

Of course ballots in Canada are in french and english (two official languages).. but to be REQUIRED to speak english.. like do they do a test or something for english comprehension?? I'm lost.. Completely..

How do you Canucks feel about that question?

[Krikit 1,164]

Hmmm. The US is definitely a bi-lingual country whether they like it or not. So, in that sense, they're a lot like Canada with the french and english languages.

My take..... just because someone can't speak the language doesn't mean that they can't understand it. And it's not as if the spanish-speaking channels on the television aren't discussing politics, so the latinos are definitely well informed.

Even if we're talking about someone whose first language is not spanish, I'm sure they have someone who can translate for them.

Ergo, my vote is yes. They should be allowed to vote.

[trailmix 77]

I say yes, let them vote. (for the same reasons krikit outlined) - plus it is their right.

Edited October 2, 2007 by trailmix

[Emancipation 2]

I think would be like placing a rule that says "only the educated may vote"..

I mean really.. there are a load of people who have not thought out the decision.. they are just voting cause they have always voted this way or that way. Are they to be barred from voting next?

Are you going to get people casting votes who probably shouldn't be? Uh huh.. it goes without saying...

It's democracy baby.. no one said it's not without weak points..

Edited October 2, 2007 by Emancipation

[Marilyn. 340]

I know a few people here who don't speak a lot of English but they do understand it....

[Krikit 1,164]

Are you going to get people casting votes who probably shouldn't be? Uh huh.. it goes without saying...

I'm going to stick my neck out and say the people in Florida shouldn't be voting.

[vnoe 0]

Are you going to get people casting votes who probably shouldn't be? Uh huh.. it goes without saying...

I'm going to stick my neck out and say the people in Florida shouldn't be voting.

lmao

[Emancipation 2]

I know a few people here who don't speak a lot of English but they do understand it....

Kinda like me and French

When I speak it I sound like I'm killing the language.. probably best for me to keep my mouth shut!!

[Cassie 8]

Are you going to get people casting votes who probably shouldn't be? Uh huh.. it goes without saying...

I'm going to stick my neck out and say the people in Florida shouldn't be voting.

no no, the people in Florida shouldn't be countingthe results

Edited October 2, 2007 by Cassie

[TheATeam 0]

Isn't it true though that in order to vote you have to be naturalized and a US citizen? I guess I could be wrong on that point, but my take is just like the OP's hubby. If you have to take an English test to become a US citizen, shouldn't it just follow that you have to speak English to vote? For me I suppose that's only logical. I could be wrong about how the voting system works. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!

[vnoe 0]

Are you going to get people casting votes who probably shouldn't be? Uh huh.. it goes without saying...

I'm going to stick my neck out and say the people in Florida shouldn't be voting.

no no, the people in Florida shouldn't be countingthe results

thats right...counting.... 1,2, 3, 6, oh ooops...I mean 5,4....er no that would be 4,5...

crackin'

[Emancipation 2]

Isn't it true though that in order to vote you have to be naturalized and a US citizen? I guess I could be wrong on that point, but my take is just like the OP's hubby. If you have to take an English test to become a US citizen, shouldn't it just follow that you have to speak English to vote? For me I suppose that's only logical. I could be wrong about how the voting system works. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!

I believe you are correct.. enough english to pass the citizenship test at least.. and from a quick google search one has to do the same in Canada in either official language.... but what about US born (to US parents) who are not english speakers? Does that happen here in the US (and i gotta believe it does)..

[TheATeam 0]

Hmmm...one would think that if you're US born, even if to parents who don't really speak english, that they'd want their children to fit in and make an effort to make sure those kids spoke english. I'm sure that I'm entirely wrong about that though.

I know that in Canada you definitely must speak english to pass the test. I worked at the DMV up here for a year and I must say, unfortunately, have become more prejudiced in my view on immigration, whether it be to Canada or the States, than I was before.

I guess what I don't understand is that people immigrate here but have no desire to try to fit into the American or Canadian way of life. They don't want to speak english or anything that would make them fit in. I'm not trying to say that everyone should completely assimilate themselves into our culture, but try to compromise at least.

With that being said, I'm going to shut my trap before something ugly comes out of it.

[trailmix 77]

Yeah, I'm sure it does happen, plus people with derivative citizenship who may have lived in/been brought up in another country etc..

Anyway, English or not, I still say they should be able to vote - not knowing English doesn't equate to not understanding the issues or who you are voting for.

As far as immigrants go, I don't personally don't care if they try to 'fit in' or not. As long as they follow the laws of the land they can culturally do whatever makes them happy - in my opinion.

Edited October 2, 2007 by trailmix

[Emancipation 2]

I could so play devil's advocate all day long..

In Canada for instance what about First Nations Peoples? They have a culture and an identity they are trying to preserve and they are fighting for it's survival.. and they were here before the English and the French tee hee.. Should they HAVE to learn either language?

Sorry.. couldn't resist!! (totally not meaning to be an a#@ just really honestly trying to process it all).