FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, September 5, 2024, LOS ANGELES — Today, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) launches the Voting Rights Tools and Resource Hub. This resource provides AAPI community members, both newly naturalized and seasoned bilingual voters, with vital information about their legal rights and resources to report any violations of their rights during the 2024 election voting process. The website is currently translated in the eight AJSOCAL Helpline languages: Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), English, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. Access to the hub is free to all at www.ajsocal.org/votingrights/.
Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) play an indispensable role in the outcome of elections. Protecting the AAPI right to vote is critical to amplify diverse voices in the elections and to ensure representatives are responsive to community needs. This protection includes ensuring language access at voting centers, challenging illegal voter ID requirements, responding to voter intimidation at the polls, and combating election misinformation.
Connie Chung Joe, CEO, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California said, “Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the country and our number of eligible voters has grown by 15% in the last four years. We are dedicated to protecting our diverse community from any violations of their voting rights. We demand accountability and transparency at the polls, which can only happen if language accessibility barriers are removed and our voters feel safe. We will investigate attempts to twist or misrepresent election laws and we encourage community members to report any incidents to us. AAPI voters who need help should contact us.”
For commentary on AJSOCAL’s Voting Rights work from CEO Connie Chung Joe and The Honorable Mike Eng, CA Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board Member and State Assemblymember (Retired), please click here.
The Voting Rights Tools and Resource Hub educates AAPI community members, on the following and more:
- U.S. citizens have the right to vote. Newly naturalized and established AAPI U.S. citizens are eligible to vote with a specific list of requirements issued by the federal government. Any extraneous requests by poll workers are unlawful. See FAQ “Am I Qualified to Vote” on https://www.ajsocal.org/votingrights/#language-accessibility
- Voting materials and help are available in-language. Voters have the right to request materials in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese or Spanish when they register to vote. Other languages may be available if enough people in the precinct speak the language. The official list in Los Angeles and Orange Counties are on the Hub.
- Contact AJSOCAL for help by email voter@ajsocal.org or text-only warm line at 213-241-0250 or direct message on Facebook, Instagram, or X. If someone is prevented from voting or if they see something illegal, call AJSOCAL at the following numbers:
- ENGLISH: 888.349.9695
- 普通话/广东话 (Chinese): 800.520.2356
- 한국어 (Korean): 800.867.3640
- ខ្មែរ (Khmer): 800.867.3126
- TAGALOG (Filipino): 855.300.2552
- हिन्दी (Hindi): 855.971.2552
- ภาษาไทย (Thai): 800.914.9583
- TIẾNG VIỆT (Vietnamese): 714.477.2958
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation, conducting crucial research, and advocating for policy change, AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering a robust advocacy for civil rights and social justice. Offices are in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with satellite offices in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. www. AJSOCAL.org
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CONTACTS:
For Asian-language, Chanfou Saelee, 213-241-0262, csaelee@ajsocal.org and
Alice Lee, 213-241-0257, alee@ajsocal.org
For general, Liana Liang, 213-241-0237, lliang@ajsocal.org