Asian Americans are part of the most diverse electorate in American history
Washington, DC — As millions of Americans turn to early voting, breaking previous records, it is clear that immigrant voters—including Latinos and Asian Americans—are a key part of the early voting story (see reports from PoliticsUSAand Fortune). Immigrants and immigration have been a key part of the presidential election, as our Spring 2016 survey indicates that Asian American voters are rejecting candidates with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views. After the 2012 presidential election, Republicans and Democrats predicted that communities of color (including Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) would be critically important for the future of American elections, with important investments needed in voter education and voter outreach.
Now, four years later, high levels of voter interest and turnout among communities of color are making good on those predictions. In addition to partisan investments in voter outreach, efforts by nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations are also making the difference. APIAVote offers the following data points, background information, and media contacts for reporters interested in understanding this vitally important constituency.
Demographics of the Asian American Vote
- Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial groups in the country
- The AAPI eligible voter population is growing even faster in states like North Carolina, Virginia, Nevada, and Florida
- Each presidential cycle adds more than 600,000 new Asian American voters
- This year may see an even greater increase, based on high levels of voter enthusiasm
Asian American voter concerns and preferences
- The National Asian American Survey has a survey report and infographics related to AAPI Voter preferences on issues and candidates heading into the general election
- The economy, terrorism, and racism are top concerns for AAPI voters
- AAPI voters hold progressive views on issues ranging from the Affordable Care Act to environmental protection and racial justice
AAPI nonprofits have stepped up their efforts to register, educate, and mobilize
- In 2016, close to 600 organizations participated in voter registration efforts specifically targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
- Over 32 APIAVote partners participated in 2016 voter registration efforts and continue to be involved in nonpartisan voter education and voter turnout
- Thanks to these and other efforts, researchers at AAPI Data expect nearly 5 million Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in 2016, up from 3.9 million in 2012
About Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote
Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote is a national nonpartisan organization that works with partners to mobilize Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in electoral and civic participation. We envision a world that is inclusive, fair, and collaborative, and where Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities are self-determined, empowered, and engaged.
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CONTACT:
Christine Chen
Executive Director, APIAVote
202-233-9170
For information on nonpartisan voter registration, voter education, turnout efforts, and contacts with organizational partners in key states like Nevada, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and North CarolinaKarthick Ramakrishnan
Director of AAPI Data and National Asian American Survey
818-305-4865
For information on voter demographics, past voter surveys, and interpretation of exit poll resultsJanelle Wong
Professor at University of Maryland and APIAVote Research Fellow
For information on the effectiveness of voter mobilization efforts and interpretation of exit poll results
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