With some exceptions, individuals who hope to become a U.S. citizen are required to be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. So, it only makes sense that voters in the U.S. would have to be able to read a ballot in English, according to one Arizona congressman and voters’ rights groups.
On Tuesday, Congressman Abe Hamadeh introduced the Voting Only Through English Act (VOTE ACT), mandating that states use only English ballots to qualify for federal election funds.
Hamadeh’s bill aligns with President Trump’s recent Executive Order declaring English the country’s official language, reinforcing American values and rejecting the erosion of our national identity.
“The ties that bind are strong and we have an opportunity to make them stronger,” stated Hamadeh. “When families like mine immigrate to this great country, they are required to learn English to become citizens. President Trump just declared English to be the official language of our great nation. So, why don’t we require ballots to be printed in English only? It doesn’t make sense.”
Hamadeh says the VOTE Act is a “critical step to protect the integrity and unity of our federal elections. By mandating English-only ballots, we ensure a common language that binds our nation together, safeguarding our constitutional republic from the divisiveness of multilingual ballots.”
“It’s time to prioritize American sovereignty and streamline our elections,” concluded Congressman Hamadeh. “This commonsense legislation is intended to strengthen the ties that bind our citizens.”
Endorsements include Election Integrity Network and Conserva Mi Voto (Protect My Vote).
Conserva Mi Voto (Protect My Vote), an organization “dedicated to empowering the Latino community through civic engagement,” endorsed Congressman Hamadeh’s bill saying, “As Latinos, we know the power of our voice at the ballot box. Our families came here to build a better future, and part of that journey has always been learning English to thrive and fully participate in American life. Most of our naturalized citizen members have had to learn English to become citizens of this great country. So, standardizing ballots in English isn’t about shutting people out—it’s about making sure every voter walks into the booth with confidence, knowing their vote counts. We believe in policies that empower our community, strengthen our elections, and brings us together to form a more perfect union.”
According to the U.S. State Department, exemptions from the English proficiency requirement for citizenship are available for applicants who are age 55 or older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 15 years.
Original cosponsors include Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), and Pat Harrigan (NC-10).
Sounds like a solution looking for a problem, and appealing to tribalistic tendencies.
For my part, as a Constitutional Originalist, “mandating that states” bugs me. If a federal rep. wants all federal ballots in English, fine and dandy, but don’t assume unenumerated powers over the States; do Republicans believe in federalism, or nah?
Uh, “appealing to tribalistic tendencies” would be demanding ballots be printed in multiple languages not just English.
That said, I tend to agree with the Constitutional point. The Constitution does not give the Federal Government (Congress or Executive) the power to tell the states to print their ballots for state or local offices only in English. It might give Congress the power to do so for federal elections, though.
I agree with that. State election ballots are a state issue that doesn’t concern congress. But as usual its a carrot on a stick policy. Feds telling the states “follow this policy or else we’ll pull your funding”.
how longs it been since this was?
The ballot for the COT tax measure – for ” 1 ” items was pages on pages…