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Electiontime: What’s The Big Deal About English Only?

Early voting is already underway for English Only referendum, meaning that both sides are ramping up their efforts for getting out the vote. Yard signs are popping up, TV commercials are airing during the evening news, folks are knocking on our doors, we’re getting robocalls and emails from Mayor Dean, and it’s all sort of overwhelming. And since this whole election thing has set us back $500K, we have to make sure we get our money’s worth out of it by actually voting, right? Vote for it or vote against it, but go vote! A few links for you:

  • Nashville English First. This is where it all began–The official website of the referendum that gives you the full text of the proposed amendment along with a pretty comprehensive Q&A about what it is. And some animated American flags flapping in the breeze.
  • Nashville For All Of Us. If you’re looking for the other side of the story, this is it. Be sure to check out the growing list of English Only opponents which includes everyone from the Chamber of Commerce to the Jewish Federation.
  • The Ad. In case you missed it, check out the full page ad in the Tennessean featuring a letter signed by 8 college presidents condemning the measure including Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Lipscomb universities.
  • The Letter. Even Mayor Dean has gotten in on the action (which seems to take a lot these days) by sending out this email.

Early voting runs through the 17th at Howard School downtown, and you can find the schedule over here. Or if you’re like us and you don’t feel like driving all the way down there, all the other polling spots will be open on Thursday, January 22nd. Go here to find out where you vote.

Photo by eskimo_jo.

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Related posts:

  1. Election Madness, Part Deux: Get Out And Vote! [English Only]
  2. Happy Hour: What Goes Around
  3. Bright & Early: Highs And Lows Edition

View Comments

  • Robyn
    hmmm, I'm thinking you meant to say this election would set us back $500K, not million - but either way, it's an obscene amount of money.

    Especially given that we spend roughly $100,000 on our (very meager) translation services per year.
  • Ack, you're right! That's what we get for being in a rush.

    But yes, still absurd. I keep thinking about what $500K could do if you put it into ESL classes instead of a special election for an referendum that will likely be overturned anyway. That, to me, says more than anything else that Crafton & Co. don't give a shit about furthering English.
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