The people of California are voting on whether to retain bilingual education.

Under the existing system, Hispanic children must be taught in Spanish until they have mastered the language, before switching to English.

If the proposal is adopted, they will instead receive one year of intensive instruction in English, before moving into regular classes where only English is spoken.

Critics of the existing system say it leaves Spanish speakers at a disadvantage in the workplace.

Most of the candidates in primary elections for governor, which also take place today in California and seven other states have not backed the proposal.