House backs bilingual ballots

Thu., June 29, 2006

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

WASHINGTON – The House agreed Wednesday to affirm the right of voters in areas with large populations of non-English-speaking citizens to cast ballots in their native language.

The 254-167 roll call in support of bilingual balloting came just a week after GOP divisions over the issue contributed to the postponement of a House vote to renew the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act.

The vote came on an amendment by Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., in opposition to bilingual balloting as the House debated a $59.8 billion measure funding the annual budgets of the departments of Justice, Commerce and State.

About 500 political subdivisions in 31 states must offer bilingual assistance. Of those states, five – Alaska, Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas – must provide the assistance statewide.

The issue has become embroiled with a passionate election-year debate to overhaul immigration laws. Conservative Republicans have pushed to make English the official national language.

An overwhelming majority of Democrats joined with just under one-third of House Republicans to reject Stearns’ amendment.

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House backs bilingual ballots

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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