Certain sections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are up for renewal in 2007. But the debate is starting now in Congress. It couldn't come at a better time. With the illegal immigration issues raging across America, it is educational to view some of the bad roots that were planted with this Act that relate to todays immigration problems . The key to a democracy is the right to vote. But who can vote is just as important. The Act outlawed literacy tests as a hurdle for voting. Literacy tests were outlawed to accomodate mostly African-Americans and some non-blacks who couldn't read or write. That provision is not up for renewal. But it should be deleted from the Votings Right Act. Literacy should be a requirement to vote. What's the problem in requiring people to know how to read and write ? English is Americas official language. Read the choices without help and write out the name of the candidate that they want. Also to answer a question. For example, "Do people have responsibilities with rights? "
Out of the " literacy test ban" came the faulty logical extension that multiple language ballots should be provided to voters who didn't speak English. Voila! We have linked illiterate American's rights to legal and illegal non- English speaking immigrants voting rights. Multiple language ballots is coming up for renewal . It should not be renewed.
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