KING
STATEMENT ON FEDERAL MANDATE ON FOREIGN LANGUAGE BALLOTS
WASHINGTON- U.S. Congressman Steve King released the
following statement following the U.S. House vote to allow
the foreign language ballot federal mandate within the
Voting Rights Act to expire:
"It is crucial that all
Members have the opportunity to represent the views of their
constituents on this important law, which affects the very
integrity of our voting process. I applaud Congressional
Leadership for standing with us and holding the debate on
this issue. Lifting the federal mandate simply gives
localities back the power to determine if they will spend
taxpayer dollars on voting materials in other languages.
"Foreign language ballots
divide our nation by language and increase the chance for
error and fraud, compromising our voting process. Voters who
need help in the voting booth, may bring an interpreter into
the voting booth, under current federal law. Every citizen
deserves to cast an informed ballot, and this is the right
approach for voters who have difficulty understanding voting
materials in English.
"English is the language of
opportunity and America has a long, proud tradition of
assimilating new immigrants. It is vital we ensure future
generations will continue this tradition."
