The Asian Pacific American electorate represents one of the fastest growing groups in the country. According to the Current Population Survey, this growth is reflected in increased engagement of Asian Pacific American voters at the polls. In 2000, 43.3 percent of the 4.71 million eligible APA voters voted. In 2008, the percentage of APA voters increased to 47.6 percent out of the 7 million eligible APA voters.
Referred to as the new Sleeping Giant in American politics, APA voters become an increasingly influential force on elections across the country. In the 2006 election, the Asian Pacific American vote exceeded the vote differential in 52 Congressional elections, five Senate races and three Governor’s elections. Unfortunately, the mainstream political candidates, parties and media organizations have historically neglected APA voters. As a result, the responsibility of mobilizing this constituency falls upon organizations like APALA, along with many of our national and local partners.
