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My Voice Matters

26 images Created 6 Nov 2020

Asian and Pacific Islanders Americans are the fastest-growing group of the nation’s eligible voters, which has more than doubled in the last two decades. 6 out of 10 API Americans in the U.S. were able to vote in the 2020 presidential election.

I wanted to photograph Asian and Pacific Islanders American voters from different ethnicities, social and economic backgrounds, and age groups. I aimed to highlight the importance of Asian & Pacific Islander Americans’ participation in the democratic process and to address some of the concerns they are facing in the country.

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  • Megan (37). Project Manager/Community Organizer, Biracial Filipina. Elk Grove, CA<br />
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I’m voting because this is one of the most essential ways to demand visibility. And if we, as a community, want more, those of us who can MUST first and foremost show up here.<br />
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COVID is ravaging our API community. We are a large percentage of frontline medical workers and caretakers, live in multigenerational households, and have a large undocumented population who are terrified to seek treatment or relief for fear of deportation. When it comes to CARES funding, it’s apparent that very few folks at the funding table recognize these issues. We are also misrepresented in things like curriculum, as our stories are rarely told from our lens, and are often auxiliary side notes or monthly cultural celebrations, rather than what they really are—rich experiences that deeply affected the fabric of this nation. To me, these demonstrate real problems in representation.<br />
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I’d love to stop seeing our Black, Brown, and Trans siblings murdered and punished by people and systems rooted in white supremacy. I’d love to see every child stolen by the government reunited with their family and then given support and a clear path to citizenship. I would love to see corporate and special interest money GTFO of politics. I’d love to see equity in representation, education, health, the workforce, etc. I would love to see us prioritize climate justice. I would love to see our children know their stories and feel empowered and protected. And mostly, I’d love if we‘d reimagine systems that strengthened and maintained this vision.
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  • Mr. Hill 29 Sneaker Giveaway Project. Hmong.<br />
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I did not vote for the last election because I felt that I was not aware enough or educated enough on the topic so I didn’t want my vote to negatively affect the results.<br />
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I’ve decided to vote in 2020-21 because I feel that the pandemic has brought to light so many issues that need to be addressed. I’m hoping my vote makes a difference and lead to positive impacts.<br />
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I feel that a lot of Asian Americans don’t realize they have a voice and miss out on support and resources because they are not fully aware of what’s out there for them such as the benefits of taking the 2020 census.<br />
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I’ve tried to not let COVID impact my life negatively as much as it already has (social distancing and having to wear a mask) instead I’ve taken advantage of this time spend more time with my wife and kids, develop new skills, grow my nonprofit organization, and start new side hustles to gain a little more income.<br />
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With everything happening in this country, I definitely hope we find a way to unite and grow together and discontinue the racism and discrimination towards one another. We need to develop more effective ways to train our police officers to handle situations for the safety of all who’s involved.<br />
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I am 1 Asian American man who wants to impact the community. We may not all have a platform but we have a voice. Voting is one way to echo that voice. Take advantage of your right to vote to see the changes we all desperately want to see.
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  • Stephanie, 31, Program Manager, Vietnamese.<br />
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Covid hit home when my fiancé’s dad contracted the virus and passed away this month. It hurts to think that it could’ve been prevented if everyone were wearing masks. When people tell me the President handled it the best way he could’ve, I laugh because it’s a ridiculous statement. I just know in my heart that  isn’t true. My friends and family in Asia are conducting business as usual, traveling on planes, having gatherings because their leadership did not present the disease as a hoax and didn’t refuse to wear a mask for several months into the pandemic. I still don’t understand how this can be a political issue when it is a health issue. Other countries where people have a deeper sense of community responsibility didn’t think twice about wearing a mask to protect the other person.<br />
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As a country we are divided on so many fronts, climate, race, Covid, immigration, healthcare, taxes, and etc. Everything is a political stance rather than a human stance. Everything is about “ME” instead of “WE”. Misinformation spreads like wildfire, conspiracy theories are entertained, while white supremacy isn’t outright denied.<br />
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I want to see a President who leads the people and upholds the truth not decide for himself what is true and false based on how flattering the information is. I feel hate against minorities has been invigorated by the current President.  Why call a virus Kung Flu and China Virus when it has a scientific name? Why spur hate where it should not belong? In terms of the environment, I want to see us moving in the right direction towards green and clean energy, not opening up protected lands to drilling and mining. I want to see our nation prosper and do good with the all the resources we can offer.  Lastly I want to see a leader that focuses on unifying the country rather than obsessing on his predecessors and competitors accomplishments and look forward to what they can accomplish.
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  • Kooney (36). Second-gen Lao-American. This is my bodyguard, Ezra (16 months) the third generation. <br />
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In the last Presidential Election. I am guilty of being one of the selfish uninformed voters just bubbling in random circles as if it were a standardized test. This time it's a lot different. I read somewhere that body fat and white hairs are good indicators of being wise. So, I've amassed a whole lotta both. Not sure if I accumulated any wisdom tho. Prolly just a placebo. <br />
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I vote now but, with a purpose. Not for me but, for my family and community in mind.<br />
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The minority vote is a smaller share but it is a path to empowerment. Our voices are definitely underrepresented, we must continue to vote and press the issues we feel are important. We all want to be heard, to be acknowledged, to matter. For example the Secret War in Laos; just like today's issues, we want accountability. <br />
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The Pandemic has impacted my life, I've been furloughed from my job and I'm not certain as to when I'll be recalled back to service. The silver lining is now I get to practice some personal virtues, (Humility and Patience). Being isolated at home was bad for my mental and physical health. That's why I'm thankful to have secured temporary work. I just need to keep busy. <br />
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With regard to what is happening in this country, I would like the (UNITED) States of America, to experience U-N-I-T-Y and COEXIST. We seem to be moving in opposite directions and the change for a "GREAT" America is going nowhere fast!<br />
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Stay positive, not (COVID). But know that better days are to come.
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  • Michelle, 34, Mental Health Therapist, Mien (Southeast Asian).<br />
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I am voting because I want to have a voice. <br />
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I don’t feel that Asian Americans’ voices are represented in this county. I never noticed politicians trying to make a point to reach out to the Asians as a target population. I think if we were united or more vocal in politics, maybe they politician we seek out the Asian Americans' interests and values. <br />
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I work in schools so we are continuing distance learning at the moment. I have been on maternity leave so I don’t feel like I have seen the impact on my students and their families yet until I go back this week. I had my first baby during this pandemic so it is scary for me as a new mom. My baby has little contact with family and friends due to COVID and me trying to keep her home and safe. My husband and I have not been social with others so that’s been really hard.<br />
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I am just horrified by how our current president is so inappropriate and how he speaks about women and people of color. I knew that if Trump won the 2016 election, racist people would come out of the woodworks boldly saying racist comments and hateful actions. I’m hoping Biden beats Trump so we don’t have someone in power who fosters such hate, racism, and misogyny. I am hoping we see changes in how our next President handles COVID in our country. We need a leader who doesn’t lie to us, exaggerate, downplay the pandemic, and call it the Chinese Virus. It’s not about blame, it’s about paying attention to the safety of people in this nation by listening to the scientists and doctors to figure out the next steps.<br />
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Please vote!!! Every voice matters!
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  • My name is Ethan. I am 19 years old, Chinese-American college student.<br />
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I did not vote in the last election because I was not 18 yet.<br />
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I decided to vote because I am tired of the current state of America. Racism is seen everywhere. We’ve normalized people dying to police brutality. Change is needed now.<br />
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As an Asian American, I feel our voice is represented at times. For example, we are the model citizen for “colored” people, but still at times embrace racism which is often normalized and overlooked.<br />
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COVID has been a blessing in disguise because even though I have not been able to go out so frequently, I have been able to see my family who is often busy working.<br />
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I want to see the cops who are guilt of police brutality be responsible for their actions. <br />
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VOTE!!! Your voice matters! Do not be afraid to stand up for what you think! Asian Pacific Islander American Voters Election 2020
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  • Crystal (31), Salesforce Consultant. Lu-Mien.<br />
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I have always opted for voting by mail because I like to research the propositions on my own time at home and not be rushed. I did the same this election but it did feel different this year—there’s been so much noise around supposed “voter fraud” and politicians “trying to throw the election” that it made me more vigilant about dropping off my ballot early and ensuring it’s in a certified/official ballot box. I will also be following up to make sure my vote was tracked and counted, something I never worried about before this 2020 election. <br />
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I Vote because it matters! Representation matters and having your voice counted is something to not take for granted. Our families have sacrificed and fled the unimaginable to get to this country which now allows me the right to vote and be part of this democracy. Gotta embrace that! Everything we are voting on is so critical — from the next president of the free world to the statewide and local measures. It affects us all.<br />
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As an Iu-Mien  American, I feel like we are still so underrepresented in the US. We have yet to be counted as a group in the Census yet alone major policies but hoping that will change with this 2020 census. As an Asian American overall, I feel like our voices are heard to a certain extent but could be way better represented through disaggregated data amongst the Asian ethnicities. That could help demystify stereotypes associated with Asians overall that actually end up hurting us rather than helping, such as the notion of being the “model minority.”<br />
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After this election, I would love to see more unity and less violence and hate in this country. We have become so divisive and hateful and it is terrifying to see. I am also hoping to see more accountability from those who are supposed to be serving our country and communities, more equity and accessibility for all, and finally see some leadership in our administration.
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  • Kat, Registered Nurse, Filipino-American. With my husband, Justin, and daughter, Liv (4).<br />
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I decided to vote because I want my voice to be heard.  Voting is an important right as a US citizen.  It is a privilege to vote, everyone should participate if they want to make a change.  It is important to me to show my daughter at a young age that voting is a very good practice.  <br />
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I don’t feel that Asian American voices are represented in this country.  <br />
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With regards to what is happening in this country, I would like to see Justice and equality in the legal system after this election<br />
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  • Crystie, 29yo, Communication Specialist at University of Davis, Chinese American.<br />
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I decided to vote because it’s important to take part in shaping the future for our communities and the young generation. It may feel like a small part, but it’s crucial to set an example especially for Asian Americans to use our voices to make a change in our society.<br />
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Q: As a Chinese American do you feel that your voice is represented in this country?<br />
A: I don’t think we are represented but it is getting there. Seeing more Asian Americans in political seats really gives a sense of pride and representation needed to help make policy changes for our communities and other communities alike.<br />
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The COVID pandemic hasn’t impacted my life directly. Unfortunately, I have family members whose businesses are affected due to the racial discrimination caused by this administration & president. My brother was verbally attacked at a coffee shop by someone assuming he has COVID for being Chinese.<br />
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I’d love to see systemic and policies changed after the election in hopes that the current sitting president is not re-elected. I’d love to see more funding for education and underserved communities. I’d love to see communities receiving quality mental health and trauma-informed treatment and resources. I’d also love law enforcement be held more accountable for the actions & bringing justice to those who lost their lives by being racially profiled.<br />
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I’d like to encourage young people to go out and vote especially Asian Americans and have those tough conversations with their parents about the racial social injustice happening in our country. And talk about the systemic issues that have been going on for so many years. Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable and take the time to learn. Use your voice to vote and present change you want to see in your world. Asian Pacific Islander American Voters Election 2020
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  • Aymaan (21). Full-time student at the University of California Berkeley. Mixed Asian, my father is from Indonesia and my mom is Vietnamese <br />
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Voting is a responsibility, it's a civic duty, which is I guess kind of cliche to say. But especially in this election, not just the presidential but kind of locally in the Statewide as well. We must let our voices be heard that we're not okay with what's going on in the US and hopefully, we could change that for the better <br />
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Within the Asian Community, we have groups who are somewhat more privileged, tend to be wealthier or tend to own businesses, and so on. We also have groups that are in a lower class and maybe newly-arrived the United States. So I feel that with respect to Asian representation in the US, it should be the case that we are not viewed as a singular monolithic group but as individual ethnicities, and not thought of as a single whole with only one opinion and one idea.<br />
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I'm hoping that whoever the next Administration will be would seriously reconsider the way we treat people overseas, our allies, NATO, foreign policy, especially more and more challenges are happening overseas, we need to make sure they're orienting ourselves in the right direction. Hopefully, whatever the results of the election might be, we're going to see a little bit more transparency, accountability from our politicians the people who are supposed to represent us at all levels of government<br />
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A lot of people take voting for granted. In other countries where people aren't allowed to vote this is something that they will fight and die for. In the United States, this is something that people have fought and died for. This is something about the women's suffrage movement, the abolitionist activist who fought against slavery, this is also something that they fought for and I feel that we need to vote to honor their memory and the sacrifice of those people who did do those things so we can be who we are today.
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  • Quynh (31). Self Love Coach. Vietnamese.<br />
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No, I did not vote in the last election - I was too disconnected from politics<br />
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I am voting this time because, I have become more and more aware of our issues as a country- especially this year.<br />
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As an Asian American, I feel that our voice is not as represented as it can be. It is still a work in process.<br />
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Covid-19 Pandemic has actually allowed me to have more space to focus on what is important in my life and get extremely creative on how I can create good in my life & spread value to my community. It has also allowed me to be more hyper-aware of what our country needs more than ever: healthier examples of leadership and how much people are hurting.<br />
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Q: What specific changes do you want to see after this election?<br />
A: I would like to see after the election is clear communication to the people about how they will adjust their funding to better systems that are FOR THE PEOPLE. Simply put actions that show they are listening to communities that feel UNHEARD & are hurt as a result.<br />
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What I want people to know is that regardless of who wins, let's not forget about our inner growth. To tap into what we CAN control, and that is to become the examples we see that is missing in our communities!
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  • Jerry, 27, State Accountant and small business owner, Filipino.<br />
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I Vote to exercise my right as an American and to make voice heard.<br />
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I feel that my voice in this country has been obscured by others who seek to weave their own narrative about who Asian Americans are.<br />
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COVID has changed my life, I now work from home and have had to modify how I acquire inventory for my small business. On a personal level, it’s made me wary of attending large gatherings and has made me more conscious about my health.<br />
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In regards to what is happening in this country, after this election, I would like to see a return to moderate politics, less polarization, and focus on important issues over-sensationalized news.<br />
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I would like others to know that your voice matters and that no matter what happens we all still have the freedom to change ourselves, our society, and our world.
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  • Susan, RN, CPhT, Cambodian-American.<br />
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I am voting to exercise my right to vote. Women in the past have worked hard to fight for this right; a right that should not be taken for granted. I vote because it is my duty as a citizen. I vote to have my voice heard. I vote to put my words into action. <br />
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As an Asian l-American, I do not believe that we are very well represented in America. I hate the term “model minority”. It is a term used to pit us against other minorities, to hold us to a different standard, but still not equal to White people. It is a term used to further suppress other minorities. My opinion is that the only representation Asian-Americans have in America are those that fall into this “model minority” category and represent what that means. Asian-Americans encompass people of so many different ethnicities of various socioeconomic statuses, from the extremely wealthy to the extremely impoverished. <br />
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I would love to see more compassion, more understanding, and more love. It saddens me to see the division. Racism runs so deep within our every day lives, so deep within our systems, that people do not even realize it because it has been the norm for so long. I would love to see people take a step back, open their minds to be more empathetic and to understand other people’s perspectives. I would like to see reform on antiquated laws, fair laws, for People of Color (POC) to be treated equally and fairly, and for equality, equity, and racial justice for everyone. <br />
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Racism IS REAL. If you do not believe that, then you are part of the problem. Do not be complacent. VOTE. Do not believe the rhetoric that it does not matter, because it does. Otherwise, why do you think the right to vote is such a hard-won right? And WEAR your MASKS!!! It is not about making a political statement. It is about public health safety for everyone. Trust me, healthcare professionals that have been wearing masks forever for hours on end and we are all fine.
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  • Leang and Neara, 60s, Cambodian American.<br />
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As citizens, it is our right, duty, and privilege to vote. We fled our beloved Kingdom of Cambodia due to the civil war which caused mass genocide, separation of families, hard labor, famine, and had our human rights taken from us. Democracy is very much alive in America and we want to keep it this way.<br />
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It is important that we vote in every election cycle, not just the Presidential election, but also the Gubernatorial and local elections. As voters, our voices are heard in the way we collectively vote. When we hear people complain about higher taxes or tax dollars being spent a certain way, we always ask them "Did you make your voice heard by voting?" Voting affects our way of living; positively or negatively. <br />
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Asian communities of all kinds are very underrepresented and we need to do our part by being civically engaged and active to make sure we aren't forgotten or left behind when decisions are made. The Black Lives Matter movement made us proud to know there are young people who are so passionate to bring awareness to innocent lives lost at the hands of violence. We all live in the same community and we must love and respect one another. Because of this, we believe our future is bright and we are in good hands. <br />
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We are sad when we read/hear about the number of deaths the virus has caused. If we had better leadership that relied on science and listened to public health experts, we would have our normal life back. Most countries outside of the U.S. are back to normal.  We are used to socializing with our friends/family, volunteering and praying at our temple, and going on vacations but we can't do that right now. We used to visit the gym 4 to 5 times a week to stay healthy.<br />
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We want to see smart leaders who rely on expert advice from others. We want to see peace and mutual respect for one another - no matter race, religion, or gender. 
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  • Danielle, 36, forensic mental health social work supervisor. I am Asian Indian and Fijian.<br />
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I’m voting because I want my voice represented. I want a say in things that impact me on a macro level and on a micro-level. I don’t ever want to take for granted that previous generations of women and others of color have fought so hard to have this right.<br />
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Q: As an Asian American do you feel that your voice is represented in this country?<br />
A: No. I think we are moving in that direction but we still have a ways to go.<br />
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Q: How has the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted your life?<br />
A: So much has changed in the way we interact with each other. There’s more video conferencing but at times that can still be isolating. I have had friends lose loved ones. I’ve had to take extra safety precautions when visiting family who are considered higher risk. My aunt recently started chemo treatments and my time with her is limited to decrease the risk of exposure. It’s been challenging to show support from a distance.<br />
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I’d like to see a country where people can agree to disagree respectfully. I’d like to see less hate and see more love and acceptance. I’d like to see more diversity and people of color in higher positions.<br />
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Get out and VOTE, your voice matters!
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  • Sheena (33). Program Compliance Analyst. Filipino.<br />
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I didn’t vote in the last election. As much as I didn’t want Trump to be president, I didn’t have another candidate that I wanted to win or one that I felt was qualified to be the next president. I also didn’t have much knowledge in any of the things I was going to vote on.<br />
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I’ve made it a point to educate myself on the things that are coming in the future. I’ve seen how things have been in our country and I know that the only way we get things to change is by voicing our opinions and being part of getting things changed.<br />
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Even though the Asian community in Sacramento is large, I don’t think the Asian culture (and I’m speaking about more of the older Asian population) really believes that their opinions matter. Especially the ones that are old school, or the ones that immigrated. I know for myself and what I’ve experienced of the Filipino culture we’ve been brought up to just sit quietly; nod your head and smile type of thing. We weren’t brought up to be vocal about our feelings and to stand up and bring attention to ourselves. It’s like a “stay in your lane” type of mentality. So with having that mentality I don’t think the older generation of the Asian culture expresses their opinions. For the younger generation, it’s a whole different ball game. <br />
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This country has changed so much in 2020 already. I really hope that the economy gets to where it needs to be. That healthcare for all Americans is at least affordable. I have pre-existing health conditions where I’m always at the doctor's office and even though I have a decent salary the amount I have to pay for healthcare is ridiculous. I have family members who are diabetic and can’t afford to pay for third medicine. I want to see changes in our local law enforcement. That they are held accountable for their actions. At the same time, I would like to see the people take accountability as well.
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  • Ashey (37). Social media consultant. Vietnamese.<br />
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I vote because I’ve learned over the years that it’s important to care about what is going on in the world around you and one of the most effective ways to promote change is to vote.<br />
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I do not feel that Asian American voices are represented in this country.  <br />
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Due to COVID-19 pandemic, my workload has decreased significantly.  When businesses struggle, marketing is usually the first thing to go so I found myself losing a lot of work.  Everything has shifted for us, my kids do school from home and my husband is working from home.  We don’t get out much and it’s been really hard on me as I’m a very social person.<br />
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After this election, I’d love to see the return of compassion and empathy towards people and our planet.  I want to see progress being made towards a better tomorrow for our children and their children.  <br />
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I want people to know that while it’s not as “glamorous” voting in local elections is extremely important.  We need to make sure that the cities and states we live in are representing our views and addressing our needs.  Learn about your local elections and vote!
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  • Justin (38). Stay-at-home parent. Filipino<br />
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I vote because I feel it's important to play a role in deciding who leads and represents our community and country as a whole, from the president all the way to who represents my district.<br />
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Q: As Filipino American do you feel that your voice is represented in this country?<br />
A: As an Asian American, yes, to a degree, but not as a Filipino American. We are a fraction of a very large and very vague ethnic category. As a result, the volume of our voice can easily be lost among the voices of so many other Asian groups in the same category.<br />
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The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected my life in nearly every way. From my eldest daughter switching to distance learning and me transitioning to working from home to eventually being let go while having limited social interactions, it's really changed everything — some aspects more drastically than others.<br />
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After this election, I'd like to see more concrete goals and accountability. We all want to change for the better, but it can be difficult to envision the change without actual plans. I want to see more focus by our leaders, representatives, and fellow community members, as well as accountability when things work out right or when they go awry.<br />
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Remember that only one item on the ballot has to do with who becomes the next president. A vast majority of the ballot has nothing to do with who gets to sit in the Oval Office. Propositions, measures, council members, school board members, and a variety of other important pressing, and local issues are decided during the same voting period. Don't forget about these because the results can have a very real, very immediate effect on your well-being and the well-being of those in your community. Asian Pacific Islander American Voters Election 2020
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  • Mai (35). Executive Director. Hmong.<br />
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Q: Why are you voting?<br />
A: For my family, my community, and because I want a better world for the people I love.<br />
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Q: As an Asian American do you feel that your voice is represented in your community?<br />
A: No, and that’s why I am currently running for Sacramento City Council. Often policy decisions are made for us not by us, and that must change.<br />
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Before COVID, inequities existed. During COVID, they’re highlighted and the disparities have been exacerbated. At the core of the recovery, we have to focus on supporting people that have been left behind. We suspended our campaign to work on supporting folks in our community that have been seriously impacted - whether that means economically, physically, or spiritually.<br />
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I want to help build a pipeline of young, diverse leaders on a local level. I also want to ensure that every decision we make takes the most vulnerable into consideration. Vulnerable folks are so often seen as the problem - but more often than not, they’re the problem solvers.
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  • Janel (32). Student Outreach Analyst, Filipino. Zaylen (9).<br />
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I’m voting because I want to utilize my right as an American citizen and I want to see America be a better place where we can all live. It’s important for my voice (vote) to be heard and represented as a female, Christian, Filipino-American. It’s important for me to have a say regarding laws that will not only impact me as a female minority and a single mother but also impacts my son who society will see as a Black Man, although he is Filipino as well. I make it point to set an example for my son by emphasizing the importance of voting and including him in the process. I’ve brought him with me to the voting polling places since he could walk. In our home, we get excited about voting. I make it a fun event for him and we celebrate the ability to vote. We’re even getting a cookie after this to celebrate! <br />
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Q: As an Asian American do you feel that your voice is represented in your community?<br />
A: No, and I believe one of the reasons is because not more Asians/Filipinos are exercising their right to vote and not in political positions of influence.  <br />
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Initially, the pandemic greatly affected my family. I'm thankful for the Shelter in Place because it has kept us safe health-wise. However, As a single mother, working from home and helping my son with distance education was very challenging and so stressful, to say the least. I was faced to deal with emotional/behavioral challenges with my son and attempting to teach my son as well by myself. It got to the point I needed outside help. <br />
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I’d like to see more equality and no racism. I’d like to see more peace and unity in our country. I’d like to see less excessive force used by police and more training on diversity. I’d like to see reform in our prison system. <br />
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Make a difference and spread love, where you can, with where you’re at, as exactly who you are. Who you are matters to this world! And GO VOTE!
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  • Sonia, 18, Student, Asian Pacific Islander.<br />
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I didn’t participate in the last presidential election because I was ineligible to vote due to my age. <br />
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I decided to vote because I want to see a change in leadership and have my voice represented through my vote. <br />
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As an Indian American, I feel like my voice is somewhat represented through politicians like Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal. However, we need more People of Color in higher leadership positions to have an accurate representation of citizen’s voice being heard.<br />
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Due to COVID, I was unable to move to my college campus (I am attending University of the Pacific) and now living at home for the next few semesters. I was planning on finding an on-campus job but that’s almost impossible since we’re stuck in our homes. <br />
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After this election I want to see a new president in office. I’m extremely unhappy with the current President and his actions in regard to COVID, immigration reform, and environmental policies. <br />
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I hope everyone is registered to vote and use their vote to make a positive change in this country. Asian Pacific Islander American Voters Election 2020
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Andri Tambunan

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