Residents of the city of Nashville and Davidson County will vote today on two proposed amendments, including one that would make English the official language of city and county government. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

The measure would make English the official language of Davidson County and the city of Nashville. It would require all official government actions and publications to be in English, except where covered by state and federal law. If the measure is passed, Nashville would join 30 states and more than 100 U.S. towns, cities and counties that have made English their official language. 

“I urge all Nashville voters to come out to the polls today and support this important amendment,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. “English is the unifying bond between the speakers of 69 different languages in metropolitan Nashville, just as it has been for generations of immigrants who have realized their dreams in the United States. It is time to ensure that the government is promoting English acquisition and not detouring immigrants through a permanent government multilingualism.” 

In Feb. 2007, the Nashville City Council gave third and final approval to a measure that would have made English the official language. Despite the strong support of the council, the measure was vetoed by Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell. Following the veto, supporters of the initiative gathered more than 10,000 signatures to put the measure on the ballot and give the ultimate decision to the voters.