The Significance of the Fourteenth Amendment

The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, is a pivotal component of American democracy, granting citizenship rights to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including those liberated from slavery. This amendment lays the foundation for equal rights under the law, particularly the right to vote for all citizens.

The Role of Naturalized Citizens Today

Naturalized citizens are vital contributors to the American electorate, with approximately 23.8 million eligible voters across the country, according to the Pew Research Center. In Texas alone, 2.2 million foreign-born citizens are eligible to vote, highlighting the importance of their participation in the democratic process.

Challenges in Local Elections

Despite their significant numbers, voter turnout among naturalized citizens in local elections remains a challenge. For instance, in the May 2023 local elections, only 15.34% of registered voters in Bexar County participated, leaving nearly 900,000 eligible voters unengaged. The upcoming local elections on May 3 present a fresh opportunity to remedy this trend.

Community Initiatives to Encourage Voting

Culturingua, a local organization dedicated to supporting immigrants and their families in San Antonio, is actively working to increase voter participation among U.S. citizens, particularly naturalized citizens. This spring, they are organizing various art and civic engagement events designed to educate and empower voters.

One notable event, Verse and Vote: A Poetry Night for Civic Engagement, was held on National Voter Registration Day in 2024, successfully raising awareness about the electoral process.

Providing Resources in Multiple Languages

In partnership with the League of Women Voters of San Antonio, Culturingua is focused on inclusivity by translating important electoral materials. For the first time, they have made the May 2025 Voters Guide available in Arabic and translated the Texas Voters’ Bill of Rights into Arabic and Pashto. These translations aim to equip Arabic and Afghan naturalized citizens with the necessary information to make informed voting decisions.

Addressing Voter Empowerment

Now is the time for our community to rally and support all citizens—whether naturalized or by birth—in exercising their constitutional right to vote. As early voting approaches on April 22, it is crucial to ensure that every eligible voter feels informed and prepared to influence the democratic process.

Where to Find Voter Guides

Residents looking for the Arabic Voters Guide can find copies at several local businesses and community centers, including:

• Ali Baba International Food Market, 9307 Wurzbach Rd.
• Zaatar Lebanese Grill, 9323 Wurzbach Rd.
• Pasha Mediterranean Grill, all locations
• Baklovah Bakery, 9329 Wurzbach Rd.
• Naara Cafe, 9239 Wurzbach Rd.
• Shisha Cafe, 5500 Babcock Rd.
• Kababchi Grill, 5500 Babcock Rd.
• Crepeccino, 5500 Babcock Rd.
• Ultimate Dental Care, 9130 Wurzbach Rd.
• UT Health School of Nursing, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
• Muslim Children Education and Civic Center, 5281 Casa Bella
• Masjid Beit El-Maqdes, 7627 Culebra Rd.
• Cody Branch Library, 1441 Vance Jackson Rd.
• Igo Branch Library, 13330 Kyle Seale Pkwy.
• Great Northwest Branch Library, 9050 Wellwood St.
• Maverick Branch Library, 8700 Mystic Park.
• Leon Valley Public Library, 6425 Evers Rd.
• Tripoli’s, 11726 Alamo Ranch Pkwy.