ASIAN VOTERS ARE IN “LAST PLACE” FOR VOTER REGISTRATION

APAC: NEW DATA FINDS SAN DIEGO’S ASIAN VOTERS ARE IN “LAST PLACE” FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, TURNOUT 

APAC Launches “Your Vote, Your Voice” Voter Education Initiative to Get Out The Vote on Election Day

The Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC), a civic group that was prominently involved in the City of San Diego’s 2010 redistricting process, has released the following statement:

As San Diego voters begin receiving their ballots in the mail this week, APAC is taking this opportunity to raise public awareness to the urgent need for greater voter participation from the Asian Pacific American community. Our voter education initiative, entitled “Your Voice, Your Vote,” will encourage all Asian Pacific Americans to register to vote and cast their ballot on Election Day.

A new data analysis by the United States Census Bureau and APAC finds that San Diego’s Asian community is in last place for voter registration and voter turnout among all ethnic groups. This is an alarming discovery, which jeopardizes the future of our community. Our participation in the democratic process is necessary in order to secure economic prosperity for our families, and the nation. APAC strongly encourages every San Diegan to register to vote by October 22^nd, and cast their ballots on November 6^th.

FACTS ABOUT SAN DIEGO ASIAN VOTERS

Asians are the fastest growing community in San Diego, rising 24% in the City of San Diego and 39% in San Diego County over the past decade. In the City, Asians grew from 164,895 out of 1,223,400 in 2000 to 209,146 out of 1,301,617 in 2010.[1] In the County, Asians grew from 245,297 out of 2,813,833 in 2000 to 341,562 out of 3,095,313 in 2010.

However, Asians have the lowest voter registration rate and lowest turnout rate of any ethnic group in America.According the United States Census estimates, barely more than half (52%, or 58,376 out of 110,835) of all eligible Asian residents in the City of San Diego are registered voters, compared to 59%-74% for all other ethnic groups nationally. The Bureau also found that in November 2008, less than half (47.6%) of registered Asian voters cast ballots on Election Day, compared to 50%-66% for all other ethnic groups nationally.[2]

Fewer than 1 out of 10 San Diego County voters are Asian. Out of 1,478,740 total registered voters, there are an estimated 99,742 (6.7%) Asian voters. Of these voters, 13,259 are Chinese; 40,989 are Filipino; 7,209 are Japanese; 4,596 are Korean, and 17,362 are Vietnamese.[3]

The majority of Asian voters in San Diego County live in the City of San Diego. Out of 637,009 total registered voters, there are an estimated 58,376 (9.1%) registered Asian voters. Of these, 9,126 are Chinese; 21,068 are Filipino; 3,355 are Japanese; 2,704 are Korean, and 13,050 are Vietnamese.

This is an important election that San Diego Asian residents, and all San Diegans, need to participate in by registering to vote and casting a ballot on Election Day.  Hundreds of candidates will appear on the ballot in San Diego County for local, state and federal races. Additionally, more than forty public school board contests will appear on the ballot. School board elections impact school funding, charter schools, and the quality of education that children receive. Eleven school bond measures will also appear on the ballot. School bonds affect how much residents pay in property taxes each year.

Bilingual poll workers who can speak Chinese, Tagalog or Vietnamese are needed for the November 6^th election.The need for bilingual poll workers is great in neighborhoods that are critical for Asian political empowerment in San Diego, such as Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos, Pomerado, and Clairemont. Poll workers must be US citizens, and registered to vote in the state of California. Poll workers receive a stipend ranging from $75 – 175, depending on their assignment. To apply to become a poll worker, visit www.sdvote.com or call 858-565-5800.

Don’t miss the deadline! The last day to register to vote is October 22^nd. The election will be held on November 6^th. More information on registering to vote can be found online at www.sdvote.com or by calling the Registrar of Voters office, at (858) 565-5800.

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