CAPAC Members Recognize National Voter Registration Day

Washington, D.C. — Today, on National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan day encouraging all eligible Americans to register to vote, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

“The freedom to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy — and it is our civic duty as Americans to exercise this fundamental right by making our voices heard at the polls. In recent years, we have seen a tremendous uptick in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voter turnout and I am encouraged by this crucial civic participation. In fact, because of this participation, AAPIs are now the fastest growing electorate in our nation. However, communities of color have historically faced barriers when accessing the ballot box, and our voting rights across the country are continually under attack. This National Voter Registration Day, I join my fellow CAPAC Members in doing everything we can to ensure that all Americans have the ability to cast their ballot and I encourage everyone to make sure they are registered to vote!”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I want to wish everyone in Queens and across our country a Happy National Voter Registration Day! Voting is an essential tool for communities to advocate for themselves and it’s the bedrock of our democracy. The ballot box is where Americans get to express their political will on the issues important to them. As the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have the opportunity to be a deciding voice in American politics. While AAPI turnout has reached record levels in recent elections, there is still much more progress to be made as voting rights remain under assault. Between January and May of this year, six states have passed election interference laws and at least 17 other bills have been introduced that seek to limit access to the ballot box. I encourage everyone around the country to register to vote and let your voice be heard this November!”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33):

“On National Voter Registration Day, we celebrate the community activists across the country leading initiatives to Get Out the Vote. The historic turnout achieved during the 2020 election cycle gives me hope that more and more Americans are coming out to vote. However, I remain deeply dismayed by the voter suppression efforts taking place in GOP-led state legislatures across our nation. That’s why I’m proud of the legislation my Democratic colleagues and I have put forth in Congress to protect every American’s sacred right to vote. The For the People Act, currently being stalled by the Senate GOP, would expand voting rights and curb partisan gerrymandering. The Protecting Our Democracy Act, also blocked by Republicans in the Senate, seeks to uphold election integrity and security to ensure we keep our elections free and fair. I urge everyone who has not yet done so to register to vote in the upcoming election to make sure your voice is heard. Happy National Voter Registration Day!”

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“Voting is fundamental to democracy. Our country is made stronger when more Americans - of all identities, ages and backgrounds – participate. This National Voter Registration Day I encourage everyone to make sure their voter registration is up-to-date, and their friends and family do the same. Every generation, every community, every family, and every friend group can be actively engaged, promote civic engagement, and make sure their voice is heard.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“Today, we celebrate the National Voter Registration Day. The act of voting—and the right to vote—is a core principle on which our democracy stands. With women’s rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, climate action, and so much more are on the line, I urge every eligible voter to check their registration and make a plan to vote at vote.gov. And as voting rights have come under attack in recent years — especially the voting rights of Black and Brown, elderly, and disabled Americans — we must stand up to those that are working to strip the right to vote from so many Americans and uphold our democratic values. I stand with my colleagues in CAPAC today and all days."

Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy — when we cast our votes, our nation is made stronger and every voice is heard. While the ability to vote should be easy and accessible, for many marginalized communities, it’s under constant attack. This National Voter Registration Day, let’s continue our fight to protect voting rights by ensuring that every American is registered to vote.”