Arkansas

RandySF

(70,636 posts) Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:13 PM Oct 2

Arkansas' English-only ballot creates barrier for voters

The Arkansas ballot for the 2024 election is only being provided in English, which creates a barrier for Latino voters in the state.

The issue is exacerbated by state laws tracking who volunteers help and how, which can lead to prosecution and null votes. The criminal charges that the volunteers may face create a barrier for Latinos who have disabilities or do not speak English as a first language, according to the lawsuit being put forward by La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE). The activist group is also suing Texas and Missouri for similar laws that discourage and place pressure on volunteers.

Alejandra Campos, a UA professor of Latino studies, said the restrictions on volunteers make non-native English speakers more timid about going to the polls.

“Translators can really only translate what is on the ballot,” Campos said, “and if people ask follow-up questions they are not supposed to answer. A lot of our immigrant community is coming from Mexico and Central America, so a lot of first-time voters will have difficulties.”

https://www.uatrav.com/news/article_b18bc36c-7f90-11ef-a975-37c0afdf7e7e.html

2 replies

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Arkansas' English-only ballot creates barrier for voters (Original Post) RandySF Oct 2 OP

I've done voter reg. several times and the paperwork requires the potential voter to read and sign the English paper... brush Oct 3 #1

I don't understand. To become an U.S. citizen a person (usually) has to take tests in English LiberalArkie Oct 3 #2

brush

(57,553 posts)

1. I've done voter reg. several times and the paperwork requires the potential voter to read and sign the English paper...

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Thu Oct 3, 2024, 03:27 AM

Oct 3

work, and also they must be a US citizen to be able to get registered to vote and then vote.

Pls explain what the problem is. To become a US citizen there has to be some workable fluency in basic English, as a second language at least.

So I'm not understanding why ballots should be printed in a language other than English when registered voters must have, as I said before, a workable fluency in basic Engish, at least as a second language.

LiberalArkie

(16,505 posts)

2. I don't understand. To become an U.S. citizen a person (usually) has to take tests in English

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Thu Oct 3, 2024, 07:27 AM

Oct 3

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.

During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government and history.

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