NEW BRIEF HIGHLIGHTS THAT AAPI VOTERS ARE A POWERFUL BLOC THAT DESERVES ATTENTION FROM CANDIDATES AND DECISION-MAKERS
The AAPI Civic Engagement Fund released a new brief that shows the Asian American and Pacific Islander electorate has now risen to more than 22.1 million voters. In key states and congressional districts, AAPIs have now become a voting bloc, characterized by (a) significant numbers and (b) similar policy perspectives. This brief brings attention to the AAPI electorate and need for more organizing and funding to ensure that this critical voting bloc is able to exercise the right to vote, particularly in the midst of a global pandemic.
Key Findings
22.1 MILLION STRONG
AAPIs comprise just over 4% of the nation’s registered voters but are among the fastest growing racial groups in America. Voter registration of Asian Americans increased 51 percent between 2008 and 2016, compared to just 8 percent nationally, according to the brief.
AAPIS HAVE REACHED CRITICAL MASS
AAPI registered voters make up a significant proportion of the electorate in Hawai’i and California, as well as in key congressional districts in Hawai’i, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington state, and Virginia.
AAPI VOTERS ARE UNITED
Since 2008, AAPI voters’ preference for the Democratic candidate over the Republican candidate has been trending up steadily. Polling has shown that AAPIs are united across a range of issues, including gender pay equity, the DREAM Act, gun control, and racial profiling.
Read the Full Brief Below
SUPPLEMENTAL TABLES
Supplemental tables provide additional detail on the share, growth, and candidate choice of the AAPI electorate by age, density, education, gender, and marital status.