Why Vote?
1) The results of elections affect your daily life and family
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The allocation of resources for local schools, the maintenance of roads including repairing potholes, and the expansion of public transportation services all depend on election outcomes. Your access to healthcare, job security, and pay equity, as well as policies on crime prevention, gun safety, and immigration, are shaped by the officials elected at local, state, and federal levels. By voting and encouraging others to vote, you advocate for the issues that matter to you by choosing representatives who prioritize your interests. Voting isn’t just a theoretical benefit to our communities; it has real impacts on how responsive elected officials are to our needs. Participating in elections gives you a stake in your community.
2) Every Vote Makes a Difference​
Increasingly, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are becoming the deciding factor in elections nationwide, from Georgia to New Jersey, Virginia, Arizona, and Texas. In local elections, especially, the winning candidate may be determined by just a few votes. Your choice to vote can shift an election from a candidate who doesn’t prioritize your interests to one who does. Don’t miss your next election. Vote!
3) Choose How Your Tax Money is Spent
Everyone pays taxes, so it's important for us all to have a say in how that money is spent. By voting for city council members, county commissioners, governors, state legislators, members of Congress, and the President, you help decide how your tax dollars are distributed, who governs your communities, and which projects receive local, state, and federal funding.
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Based on the latest data from the American Community Survey, nearly one-third of Asian Americans in the United States are considered "Limited English Proficient," meaning they report speaking English "less than very well." Your decision to vote can influence whether governments can provide essential information in different languages for those in our communities who need it most.
4) Stand Against Racism and Discrimination
With the increase in anti-AANHPI hate and discriminatory policies affecting Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, it is more important than ever to make sure your voice is heard by those in power. Voting and motivating others to do the same is one of the most effective ways to ensure that politicians address your concerns. According to the 2020 Asian American Voter Survey, at least 72% of Asian Americans believe that discrimination against Asians exists in our society today. Additionally, at least 76% of Asian Americans are concerned about facing hate crimes, harassment, and discrimination related to COVID-19. Vote to help make our communities safer places to live and work.
5) Ensure Voting Rights Protection
Many states are implementing increasingly stringent voting laws that restrict our ability to vote early, vote by mail, receive language assistance, and even register to vote. These new laws are eroding our fundamental right to vote. Additionally, some redistricting commissions and state legislatures are attempting to divide AAPI voter groups into separate districts, diluting our collective voice in elections. The only way to prevent these actions is by opposing those who act against our interests and voting them out of office.
Alternatively, vote for candidates who uphold the values you cherish, with one of the most fundamental values being the right of every eligible voter to cast their ballot. Remember, your vote is powerful, but its impact depends on you exercising it. Your vote is your voice.
Source: https://apiavote.org/how-to-vote/why-vote/
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