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http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=124&a=16391

How Did Fil-Ams Vote in 2004?

By Amee R. Enriquez

Asianjournal.com 10/7/06

The Demographic Research Project (DRP) of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) showed that among all Asian American groups, Filipino-Americans constituted the largest group of voters in Los Angeles County and the second largest in Orange County. How did the Fil-Am vote translate in terms of candidates and issues?

In the 2004 General Elections, Fil-Ams in LA County supported Democrat presidential candidate John Kerry, with 55% voting for him as compared to the 45% who voted for President George W. Bush. Fil-Ams also voted to supported Prop 72, a measure requiring larger businesses to provide health care insurance coverage to employees, with 64% voting for yes.

There were a total of 78,770 voters in LA County and 25,358 in Orange County. In the city of LA, there were around 28,476 voters, comprising 3% of all the voters citywide; Carson 4,678 (14%); Long Beach 4,623 (3%); Anaheim 3,508 (4%); Glendale 2,794 (4%); West Covina 2,370 (7%); Cerritos 2,148 (10%); Buena Park 1,964 (9%); Irvine 1,893 (3%); and Walnut 1,304 (11%).

In LA County, the demographics of Fil-Am voters showed that 78% of Fil-Am voters were foreign-born, 8% were between the ages of 18 to 34, 57% were female and 43% were male. Fil-Ams were 41% Democrat and 33% Republican, with 23% declining to state their affiliation. 32% of Fil-Ams used the absentee ballot.

Only 14% of the total Fil-Am voters in LA County were Limited English Proficient, with 24% of voters using language assistance.

In Orange County, 84% of the Fil-Am voters were foreign-born, 6% were between the ages of 18 to 34, 59% were female, 41% were male. Fil-Ams were 30% Democrat and 46% Republican, with 23% declining to state their affiliation. 25% used the absentee ballot. (AJ)