The topic of voting rights in America has always stirred passionate debate, and lately, a new argument has emerged: Should those who cannot speak English be allowed to vote in our elections? This question gets to the very core of what it means to be a citizen in this country. While America is a nation built on diversity, there are certain principles and commonalities that bind its people together. Language, for instance, is a key factor that unifies a country’s populace, and the ability to communicate in English has long been seen as a stepping stone towards assimilation and shared cultural understanding.
Traditionally, the act of voting has been reserved for American citizens who have a vested interest in the country’s future. However, just like there are laws preventing felons from voting due to their disregard for the rules of society, arguably, there should be measures in place to ensure that voters have a fundamental understanding of the language in which the nation’s laws, politics, and news are conducted. After all, how can voters make informed decisions if they cannot comprehend the language in which debates and policies are presented? If a person is not willing or able to speak the common language, how invested are they in understanding the issues that affect the rest of the country?
Critics might argue that such measures are exclusionary, but the reality is that it’s about protecting American interests. If a person cannot understand English, there’s a fair chance they might be more inclined to protect interests that align with their native culture or country, rather than those of the United States. Take, for example, an imaginary voter who aims to divert resources away from American priorities and instead funnels them towards their homeland. Who does this benefit? Certainly not the average American citizen who cherishes their country’s prosperity above all else.
Furthermore, the issue extends to politicians themselves. Ensuring our leaders are unequivocally loyal to the United States by requiring them to renounce any dual citizenships is simply common sense. A politician should never be in a position where their loyalty is divided, and they should make it clear to their constituents that their allegiance is solely to America. This is the only way to maintain integrity within the political framework and ensure decisions are made with America’s best interests at heart.
Ultimately, this discussion isn’t about making it harder for people to participate in democracy. Rather, it’s about preserving the sanctity of the American vote and ensuring that every decision made in the voting booth is done with an understanding of American values and in the language that reflects them. After all, voting is not merely a right; it’s a responsibility, and with that, comes the expectation of understanding.
