Only a few more days top register and Voice Your Vote!   

Don’t give up your right to vote!  Take action today!

Are you registered to vote?  The deadline to register to vote is only days away for some states.  Now more than ever, there are important issues that will impact the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.  We have the obligation to flex our collective political clout on Election Day – NOVEMBER 7, 2006!  Don’t give up your right to vote!

• APIAVote has made it easy for you.  Register on-lineright now by clicking here. or go to www.apiavote.org
• Remember to update your information if you have moved 
• Looking to vote by absentee ballot this year?  Go to www.apiavote.org and learn how to apply for an absentee ballot
• Encourage your family and friends to register to vote and forward this email action alert.

Did you know?

• At over 13 million, the AAPI population is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States?
• The AAPI community comprises 4.2% of the population and is expected to double by 2010 and triple by 2050?
• In 2004, a little over 50% of Asian Americans who were 18 years and older and a US citizen, registered to vote.  But our community can do better than that this year.
• More than 80% of Asian immigrants become citizens, making naturalization an extremely important issue to AAPI’s?

Why Vote?

Immigration

Our national leaders are creating public policies surrounding an issue that disproportionately impacts the AAPI community – immigration.  The policy debates vary regarding family reunification, mandating state and local law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigration policies, or whether or not a fence should be created to discourage illegal immigration.  Will this encourage you to vote?   

Language Access

There has been a movement in Congress to place limitations on Limited English Proficient access to government services.  Additionally, there have been efforts to make English the national language of the United States, thereby severely impacting non-English speakers.  As a community where 40% of the population is limited English proficient, this issue is of great importance to the AAPI community.  Will this encourage you to vote? 

Voting Rights

Since the early 1990’s, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander voter registration has increased dramatically.  Additionally, once AAPI’s become registered to vote, they are the most likely to go to the polls on Election Day.  However, there have been state and federal efforts to impose additional requirements for voters.  Opponents of these efforts claim that new barriers will ultimately suppress voter engagement in the AAPI community.  Will this encourage you to vote?   

Registration Deadlines

The registration deadline varies in each state.  Click here to find out when your States
voter registration deadline is!