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Letter: Bilingual ballots are an unnecessary step

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 | 7:22 a.m.

Who needs a bilingual ballot?

I never thought I would agree with a conservative Republican about anything but, surprise, there are now 56 congressmen with whom I do agree. I even agree with George Will! They question the federal requirement obligating certain voting districts to provide bilingual ballots.

Only citizens can vote. By the time a native-born American becomes old enough to vote, he or she has had at least some exposure to our culture and to our public school system. Such a person will have picked up enough knowledge of English along the way to make a bilingual ballot unnecessary.

Naturalized citizens must meet residency and other requirements, including some knowledge of American history and government. They must also demonstrate a basic proficiency in English.

There is no reason why they should require bilingual ballots to vote.

The logical conclusion is that no voter really needs a bilingual ballot. Could politics have anything to do with this requirement?

Ed Howatt, Las Vegas

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