Voting Rights
In order to advance a multiracial participatory democracy, AACRE advocates for policies that protect the rights of our community members to vote. Although years of struggle have achieved voting rights for many, numerous barriers continue to effectively disenfranchise certain communities. For example, complicated election materials and changing voting machines prevent many limited-English proficient members of the Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) community from meaningfully participating in the democratic process.
In every election, Californians are asked to vote for their representatives and weigh in on ballot initiatives that impact all areas of our lives, including civil rights, education, employment, and health care. However, in part due to ongoing language and other barriers to voting, APIAs struggle to have their voices heard in the electoral process. Currently, APIAs account for a disproportionately low share of these voters, representing only 7%, despite comprising 13% of the state’s total population.
AACRE believes it is critical for advocates to monitor compliance federal and state laws that mandate language assistance for limited-English proficient voters. Such poll monitoring and exit polling results help to inform AACRE’s voting rights advocacy.
In addition to supporting state policies that increase language access for APIA voters, AACRE opposes policies that would add additional barriers to voting such as increased voter identification requirements.
Despite language and other barriers, APIAs are a growing and powerful constituency. According to the US Census, the number of APIA registered voters, as well as those who actually turn out to vote, is increasing. Between November 1998 and November 2004, the turnout among APIA voters almost doubled.
Redistricting
As California policymakers consider redistricting reform proposals, it is imperative that the voting rights of APAs and other underrepresented communities are protected. AACRE believes the following are essential components of any redistricting measure:
- Drawing of districts by an independent nonpartisan commission that strives to reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of California’s population.
- Compliance with the federal constitutional and Voting Rights Act requirements to ensure that minority populations and their voting rights are protected
- Checks and balances to guarantee that commission decisions are fair, independent, and in the best interest of all Californians
- An open and transparent process in all stages of the redistricting process, including meaningful public participation.
View model legislation developed by Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund, and Common Cause.
See AACRE Agenda for positions AACRE is taking on important legislation.