U.S. English Chairman Stresses Importance of English in Election Process
U.S. English Chairman Stresses Importance of English in Election Process
February 2, 2012
Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today expressed disappointment and disbelief at the recent controversy over English language requirements for those seeking election as government officials.
“Since our country’s founding, English has been the common language bonding us all together,” Chairman Mujica said. “A representative of the United States government, at any level, must be able to speak the language of more than 90% of Americans—English.”
A Yuma County Superior Court judge recently ruled that Alejandrina Cabrera be removed from the ballot for Arizona’s San Luis City Council seat because of her barely basic proficiency in English. The Arizona State Constitution, enacted in 1910, affirms that members of the State legislature must know enough English to fulfill their official duties without requiring a translator. Furthermore, the 2006 law establishing English as Arizona’s official language calls for the disqualification of any candidate to elected office who is unable to speak, read and write English.
”Even in a largely Spanish-speaking area like San Luis, it is imperative that government officials set an example for residents. Being fluent in English demonstrates that learning English leads to success in this country,” Mujica added.
Cabrera and her supporters have pushed back against the ruling, attempting to appeal prior to a March ballot. The Arizona Supreme Court has yet to announce a decision on the appeal.
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U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English, Inc. () now has more than 1.8 million members.
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