中华专协（ACP）温馨提醒：

11月2日美国中期选举，请投下神圣的一票.

华人参加投票，珍惜民主权利，谋求华人利益.

Let’s Vote on November’s Election Day

A Letter to Chinese Americans in Georgia

Dear fellow Chinese friends,

November 2^nd is Election Day. Time flies faster than you can imagine, and time's running out to vote. With the election only days away, it is time to vote!

Why do I need to vote?

1.    Voting is a right and privilege of American citizens.

We came to this Promised Land with the feeling that elections are highly competitive but fair to every citizen. However the voter must have the will to vote. Citizens should have a voice, and the right to vote gives us that chance. The law will not be automatically formulated on our behalf.  In addition, there is no guarantee that the law will be formulated without problems.  However, as long as we participate in the electoral process from the start; the law can be formulated and enforced for the happiness and prosperity of the American people. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 protects every American against racial discrimination in voting. The Act stands for the principle that everyone's vote is equal, and that neither race nor language should shut any of us out of the political process.  It is our right and duty as citizens to get out and vote for leaders who will help build a better future for us, our children, and our communities!

2.    Voting is a moral obligation of American citizens. 

Voting is a promise and a commitment to act as responsible citizens for the betterment of our communities. Being US citizens by choice, we deserve to enjoy both prosperity and the responsibilities of citizenship. Chinese Americans are part of the U.S. not outsiders. Responsible citizens are not spectators. Though we are minorities, our vote is important and we cannot just sit back and expect the government to act on our behalf. We may be a minority group, but with voter turnout as low as it is, we have potential to have a very big voice in who we elect to lead us.

Our objective is getting Chinese-Americans to vote and to raise our political awareness. It is a social responsibility of each of us to increase Chinese American voting. Our dream coming true in America has to be realized through this effort.  Voting is not only a right and privilege but a moral obligation in every way. We will be more confident and proud as a generation of immigrants from China.  By voting, we can build confidence in our decisions to choose what makes our lives better.

3.    Voting promotes our social status.

In 2006, the Chinese American population numbered about 3.6 million. They constitute 1.2% of American as a whole. Regrettably, the Chinese-American voting rate is extremely low. And while our numbers are perceived as small, we can make a huge difference if we turn out strong on Election Day.

In recent years, this situation has improved, but if Chinese Americans want to secure their share of political rights, there is still a long way to go. Awareness of political participation needs to be further enhanced.

It is no surprise that Chinese Americans or Chinese immigrants to the U.S. have so little influence in politics! Chinese immigrants are exceptionally bookish and much more likely to attend school for higher degrees and higher positions. However, the high level of education and position doesn’t necessarily translate to political influence. Our low voting rate certainly is detrimental to improving the social status of Chinese Americans. Jewish Americans have a high voting rate.  In the U.S., Chinese are like Jews in term of individual success in many aspects such as income, education, employment, business, etc., but not in voting. This is why we must act to increase our voting rate.

Shall I exercise my voting right?

Yes!  Individual citizens are not required to vote, but voting is the primary tool for making our voices heard by the government and decision makers we elect.

What should I do now?

Take Action now!

On Election Day, November 2^nd, 2010, please go to your polling place to vote.  Also, be sure to encourage your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to get out and vote as well!

How should I vote?

You don’t have to be a political expert or have lots of time to have an impact. Do your research and make your judgment.

It is strongly recommended that you do some research on the electoral system and candidates.  You may have a favorite political party: Republic, Democrat, Libertarian, or none of these. After you get the idea, it is much easier to cast your vote on the candidates since the ballot shows their political affiliation next to their name.

If you do not have a favorite and you do not want to spend time on research, you can vote for one political party in every race, or skip the certain races on the ballot that you’re not as knowledgeable about.

The bottom line:  Do not waste your right and privilege to vote. You just need to believe in the importance of your right, your interest in the process, and your issues. Make a commitment to bring them to the polling place and vote during this election. Taking a little time to research the electoral system and candidates, you will find that voting is the best thing you will do for your life in this country.

Everyone’s ballot is counted.  Your vote matters. Dear fellow Chinese friends, let’s all vote!

Thank you all.

Theresa Qian

Voting Promoting Committee

Association of Chinese Professionals

Related websites:

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/voting_information.htm#Voting on Election Day

http://www.allchinesevote.org/.