Care, Act, Vote
In Which: The AAPI vote is growing in Hayward, Key AAPI issues are explained, and Filipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ) encourages us all to get out and vote!
By Santi Buensuceso
Worker Organizer, Filipino Advocates for Justice
California is home to nearly 7.4 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), of whom about 4.5 million are eligible voters. This represents a significant 17.34% of the state’s electorate. But what does this mean?
First, the AAPI community holds considerable influence over election outcomes. California has the largest AAPI population in the United States, with about 7 million residents (roughly 15% of the state's population), according to the 2020 Census. This demographic has been growing steadily, with a significant portion residing in influential voting cities like Hayward. According to the 2020 Census, AAPIs make up nearly 30% of Hayward’s total population and about half of that percentage are Filipino.
Second, AAPI voters can become a powerful force in shaping the state’s future. In recent elections, the AAPI community has had notable increases in voter turnout. For example, there was a 50% rise in AAPI turnout in 2020 compared to 2016 in California, and in competitive districts AAPI voters helped swing the votes. The community's increasing engagement is determining California’s political direction.
AAPI voters in California often prioritize issues like education, healthcare, racial justice, and economic equity. This influence is particularly evident in areas with large AAPI populations, like the Bay Area, where community advocacy has led to more targeted policy initiatives. Hayward’s "Preserve, Protect, and Produce Housing for All" and the “Let’s House Hayward” initiatives both address housing and safety.
California is facing a significant housing shortage, estimated at a shortfall of over 3.5 million units. This drives up prices for residents across income levels, leading to overcrowding and people moving farther away from job centers. Many are forced to live far from their workplaces due to high urban housing costs, leading to longer commutes, increased traffic congestion, and higher carbon emissions. This adds stress to daily life, reduces time with family, and strains public infrastructure, ultimately impacting overall quality of life.
Since the rise of anti-immigration rhetoric and anti-Asian violence during 2020, the AAPI community has faced numerous challenges. The AAPI community continues to face racial discrimination and a troubling rise in hate crimes. The pandemic exacerbated anti-Asian sentiment, with the Stop AAPI Hate coalition reporting over 11,000 reported incidents of harassment, assault, and discrimination against AAPI individuals from 2020 to 2022 according to the Stop AAPI Hate coalition.
When housing is affordable, residents are less likely to experience financial stress and housing instability, which can lead to homelessness or frequent moves. Stable, affordable housing provides a foundation for our families to invest in their neighborhoods, contribute to the economy, and improve their quality of life. Affordable housing also allows people to live closer to work, reducing long commutes and promoting stronger neighborhood ties. When residents live in communities for longer periods, they’re more likely to participate in local organizations, know their neighbors, and collaborate on safety efforts, which builds a safer environment for everyone.
Despite the significant number of AAPI voters in California, there has historically been a lack of outreach to the community during elections. Additionally, AAPI civic engagement remains lower compared to other groups. Now, we have a chance to ensure safety and affordable housing are prioritized. Elections give us the power to choose leaders who will represent our interests.
But first, we need to care—about our future and our role in it. Apathy weakens our cause and an indifference to what is going on, politically, can cause that. Apathy stalls momentum, momentum that we need to tackle the obstacles of racism and discrimination. We must care about the laws being enacted and who takes office. We need to ensure our voices are heard, we need to VOTE!
Did you know that FAJ helped make this voter guide a reality? Do them a favor and share it out with everyone you know. They’ll be glad you did. Trust me.
Now, more than ever, we need to continue building power for our communities. Let's unite, engage, and create the change we need on November 5th and beyond. When we care, we act. By standing together, we harness our collective power and direct it toward meaningful change.
Everyone eligible must vote. Voting is our most powerful tool to be key decision makers, individually and as a community. So, my message is simple: CARE, ACT, and VOTE.
If you would like to join us or volunteer with us, please contact info@filipinos4justice.org or follow us on all platforms @fils4justice.
Filipino Advocates for Justice’s mission is to build a strong and empowered Filipino community by organizing constituents, developing leaders, providing services, and advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice and equity. FAJ’s work is guided by its vision for an empowered Filipino community with the power to advance social and economic justice, and realize democratic and human rights for everyone. Its programs are rooted in Bayanihan principles, a Filipino demonstration of social justice values where a community comes together to help those in need.