In the simplest terms, a democracy is a government by the people. While many may feel that politics has become too complicated and distant from their daily lives, it is important to remember that there is one simple way to be heard: VOTE.

“…we must play an active part in shaping our government, and keep it accountable to the people it serves.”

The mission of TACL has always been to enhance the quality of life for Taiwanese Americans. Through our chapters of TAP; our youth camps, LYF and LID; our internship programs; and our partnership with ITASA, the foundation has been laid for the community to thrive for generations to come. To ensure the long term success for all Taiwanese Americans, we must play an active part in shaping our government, and keep it accountable to the people it serves. Unless we take part, politicians will not give our community the attention it needs and deserves.

“Each election presents issues…which have the opportunity to make a profound impact on how we live everyday life.”

While there are many ways to be involved in this process, the most accessible way for most people, will be to vote in all elections. It may seem that the only elections of importance are the presidential elections that occur every four years, but they take place at multiple times every year. Each election may present issues that have an even more direct impact at the local or state level. These can range from local ordinances, city councils, school board seats, representation in state legislatures, state governors, and representation in U.S. Congress, all of which have the opportunity to make a profound impact on how we live everyday life. That’s why it’s important to go to the polls for these elections and every November for general Election Day.

“…only about 26.9 percent voted in 2014…”

As we approach the 2016 election season, it is increasingly important for members of the Taiwanese American community and Asian American community at-large to make its voices heard. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 48 percent of eligible Asian American citizens voted in the 2012 presidential elections(1) and only 26.9 percent voted in the 2014 midterm elections(2). According to projections in a report by the Center for American Progress, Asian Americans will make up 10 percent of the eligible American electorate by 2044(3). It is more important than ever for Taiwanese Americans to be at the polls as the community grows. For 2016, TACL is devoted to get-out-the-vote so that our local, state, and federal governments can be held accountable and hear the unique needs of Taiwanese Americans.

Graph 1. Eligible Asian American Voters Who Voted in 2012 Presidential Elections

Graph 2. Eligible Asian American Voters Who Voted in 2014 Midterm Elections

We will be providing more information throughout the year on how to take action. The federal government already provides some resources for how to register and vote where you live. Visit https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote. Stay tuned for TACL’s Get-Out-the-Vote in 2016!
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¹ apiavote.org/
² census.gov/
³ americanprogress.org/