NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Channel 4 conducted a recent poll to look at how voters are leaning on the referendum to make English the official language of Nashville.

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The proposed amendment would prohibit any Nashville government business to be done in a foreign language, regardless of whether that's in person or in writing.

The poll indicated that people are aware, are interested in the issue and plan to vote on the issue.

Our poll of 401 registered Davidson County voters found that almost everyone, 94 percent, were aware of the issue and election.

"Yes, everything needs to be in English," said Jeannie McClendon, a Nashville voter.

"I think it's a terrible idea personally," said Dan Emery, another Nashville voter.

Every person who was polled said they are very or somewhat likely to cast a vote in the referendum.

As for the issue itself, the poll indications the measure is wide open.

Thirty-eight percent said yes, English should be made the only language for Metro government business.

Opponents do have a slight lead with 41 percent saying they would vote no, but statistically that's too close to call.

The undecided voters may play make the difference in the matter. Twenty-one percent called themselves undecided with only three days of early voting plus Election Day to go.

There appear to be quite of few undecided given the strong opinions from voters.

"I think that creates problems. It doesn't solve anything," said Jim Luton, a Nashville voter.

"When people come to the United States to live here, I truly believe that they should learn to speak English," said Vernon Huskey, another Nashville voter.

The poll indicates the bulk of the votes have yet to be cast, with 7 percent saying they were very likely to vote early or already have. Thirty-nine percent said they were somewhat likely to vote early still but have yet to, and 48 percent don't plan to vote early.

The answers all tended to break down evenly among age groups and gender when it comes to race. Among people saying Yes to the English amendment, 66 percent where white while 32 percent were not white.

Among those saying no to not change the law, there were more whites, 81 percent, with 18 percent of no voters listed as non-white.

The poll was a random sample of 401 Nashville voters, conducted by the research firm Crawford, Johnson and Northcott and has a margin of error of 4.5 percent.

As of Wednesday evening, more than 9,000 people had voted early on the measure. Early voting ends Jan. 17, and Election Day will be held Jan. 22.

Below is the full data gathered from the poll.

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Davidson County
Charter Amendment Poll
WSMV Channel 4 News
January 14, 2009

Davidson County registered voters are evenly split on their view of making English the official language for county business. This poll shows very high awareness and interest in the upcoming charter amendment vote on January 22.

Voter Awareness

Are you aware of the special election of January 22 dealing with making English the official language of Davidson County government?
N = 401 ; 100%
Yes 376 ; 94% No 25 ; 6%

How likely are you to cast a vote in this special election?
N = 401 ; 100%
Very likely 296; 74%
Somewhat likely 105 ; 26%
Not at all likely 0 ; 0%

Have you already voted or do you plan to vote early?

N = 401 ; 100%
Very likely (includes those who have already voted) 28 ; 7%
Somewhat likely 157 ; 39%
No, have not yet voted and do not plan to vote early… 194 ; 48%
Don’t Know 22 ; 5%

English-only Amendment

The English-only ballot question is quite divisive for Davidson County voters. Those supporting the issue and non-supporters are nearly evenly split, with a significant number of respondents saying they have not made up their mind.

Would you vote yes – to adopt English as the official language, or no - against making that change? Or are you undecided?

N = 401 ; 100%
Yes 154 ; 38%
No 163 ; 41%
Undecided 84 ; 21%

Ballot Initiative Amendment

Respondents were also asked about whether they would support an amendment to the current Davidson County charter that would make it easier to bring other ballot initiatives to a public vote.

Would you vote YES, to make it easier, or NO, to leave the present rules in place, or are you undecided?

N = 401 ; 100%
Yes 129 ; 32%
No 132 ; 33%
Undecided 140 ; 35%

How the poll was conducted

This poll was conducted as a random sample telephone survey of Davidson County, Tennessee residents, ages 18 and older. In order to participate, respondents had to indicate that they are registered to vote. Interviews were completed with 401 respondents, giving the poll a margin of error of +/- 5%. All interviews were conducted over a three-day period from January 11 through 13, 2009. Age, gender, and race representation among respondents is reflective of current Davidson County registered voters. Data was not weighted.

This poll was commissioned by WSMV-TV/Nashville and conducted by Crawford Johnson & Northcott, Inc., a national marketing research company based in Des Moines, Iowa.

All data and findings copyright WSMV Television and Crawford Johnson & Northcott, Inc. 2009.