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Coffman Wants Ballots In English Only

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado Republican Rep. Mike Coffman is introducing legislation to repeal portions of the 1973 Voting Rights Act so that county clerks are only required to provide ballots and other election materials in English.

According to the Pueblo Chieftain, Coffman says proficiency in English is already a requirement for U.S. citizenship and forcing cash-strapped local governments to provide ballots in a language other than English makes no sense.

Clerks in 16 Colorado counties are awaiting a Justice Department decision as to whether they must begin printing dual-language ballots this year and they say the additional cost will be significant.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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