The Carroll County Commissioners are deciding whether to make English the official language of the county government.

The vote Thursday in Westminster caps four months of debate.

The resolution was introduced to the all-Republican board in September by Commissioner Haven Shoemaker. If approved, Carroll would join Frederick and Queen Anne’s counties in adopting such a policy.

Proponents say the measure would send a message that illegal immigrants aren’t welcome in the county. Opponents say it’s an unnecessary law that would make even legal immigrants feel unwelcome.

It would require official actions and statements of the county government to be in English. However, it would not prohibit any county employee or elected official from communicating in any language for unofficial business.

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