On Election Day, Asian American and Pacific Islander voters will build the power we need to create change in our communities, tell our stories, and advocate for ourselves and our families. How we vote on Election Day will change the way our country addresses these critical issues to our AAPI communities.

And we have the power to create this change. Just within the last three election cycles, there has been a growth of over 620,000 new AAPI voters nationwide. Yet, only 56% of AAPIs are registered to vote compared with 72% of whites. In order to continue building that power, we have to make sure that as many AAPIs as possible are registered and able to raise their voices and vote.

Want to get involved in 18MR’s #OurAAPIVote campaign?

Why We Vote

  • A young Asian woman smiling. MYAAPIVOTE is for progress and equity is at the bottom of the image.

    We are the United States of America

    Nov 8, 2016 • By Priyanka Varma

    Whether our families came to America seeking refuge from political turmoil abroad or simply pursuing better economic opportunities in the States, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are part of the vibrant fabric that constitutes the U.S., and our contributions to this nation are part of what make it so great. Read More

  • A young Asian woman smiling. MYAAPIVOTE is for racial and gender justice is at the bottom of the image.

    Taking Back Politics

    Nov 3, 2016 • By Tammy Le

    I grew up in a household that did not discuss politics very often. In grade school, many of the white students were very knowledgeable and passionate about engaging in current events and politics. I did not feel like politics was my place, nor did I understand the hype with politics. Read More

  • Multiple images of a young Asian woman smiling with other folks of color at events and protests. MYAAPIVOTE is for racial and gender justice is at the bottom of the image.

    For The Unspoken: Past, Present, and Future

    Nov 2, 2016 • By Gabriella Ibanez-Dacruz

    My vote matters not only for my voice but for those who cannot speak for themselves. We seem to forget that not too long ago, more than half of our country could not legally vote. It took sacrifice and persistence to make my reality just that - a reality. Read More

  • South Asian woman with glasses smiling. MYAAPIVOTE is for equity is at the bottom of the image.

    Missouri's Amendment 6 is Photo Voter ID in the Worst Way

    Oct 31, 2016 • By Sheela Lal

    Missouri is truly leading this race to the bottom. While other state courts -- notably Kansas, Wisconsin, Texas, South Dakota, and North Carolina -- strike down photo ID laws, the Missouri legislature has decided to circumvent the courts, and amend the constitution to make photo ID legally palatable. Read More

  • Asian man in a suit and tie smiles. MYAAPIVOTE is for progress is at the bottom of the image.

    Because History Repeats Itself

    Oct 31, 2016 • By Brendan Wu

    In the last decades of the 19th century, an American named Wong Chin Foo tried to organize the small Chinese American community of New York City against mounting calls that “the Chinese must go! Read More

  • Side portrait of an Asian woman with photoshopped black smoke behind her. MYAAPIVOTE is for educational justice is at the bottom of the image.

    Not Enough

    Oct 14, 2016 • By Sarah Vang

    My parents made sure to work hard, so they can provide food, shelter and opportunity for my siblings and me. They believe that as long as you work hard in America, you could achieve the American dream. But they’re wrong; hard work is not enough. Read More

  • An Asian woman registering an elder Asian man to vote. MYAAPIVOTE is for Making America Better the bottom of the image.

    A Vote for Culture Change

    Oct 7, 2016 • By Melody Lam

    More than eight years ago, I didn't think I would become as involved in civic engagement as I am now. Though my dad voted consistently for Presidential and gubernatorial elections, I was rarely encouraged to vote when I was growing up, and my family stayed fairly mum about politics (any civil debating between my brother and me, and we would be told to stop arguing). Read More

  • An Asian woman with her dog. MYAAPIVOTE is for Feminism is at the bottom of the image.

    The murdered Imam wore the same clothes as my father

    Oct 7, 2016 • By Jerin Arifa

    In three months, the Bangladeshi-American communities in Queens within a 30-minute drive suffered three vicious attacks. On June 1, an elderly man was severely beaten by a group outside a Jamaica mosque. On August 13, a Muslim leader and his assistant were shot and killed in broad daylight in Ozone Park. On September 1, a mother was stabbed to death steps from her home in Jamaica. Read More

If you want to share the story of why you vote, get in touch here!