Des Moines, Iowa ? Protesters held a vigil Wednesday in hopes of persuading Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack to veto a popular bill declaring English the state’s official language.

“This whole country was founded on diversity,” said Evelyn Alcorta, 54, of Des Moines. “My grandparents came here not speaking English and they weren’t ostracized for it.”

She was among 40 people who stood near the entrance to the governor’s mansion, holding candles and signs. “Be a leader, not a poll reader. Veto English Only bill,” one sign read.

Many Hispanics and liberals are offended by the measure, and they make up the core of Vilsack’s political base. Most Democrats in the Legislature voted against the bill.

The House approved the measure late Monday, sending it to the governor’s desk. The Senate approved it last week.

Supporters reminded the governor that, in this election year, polling has shown an overwhelming majority of Iowans favors declaring English the state’s official language.

According to the advocacy group U.S. English Inc., 26 states have some form of official English laws. The U.S. House passes legislation in 1996, but the Senate failed to act it.