Asian-American Voters Can Deliver Swing Votes for the January 19 Nevada Democratic and Republican Caucuses

With the fast-changing political landscape resulting from the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, the campaigns move to Nevada for the first Democratic and Republican caucuses in the West on Saturday, January 19th. It is expected that the Asian-American and Pacific-Islander (AAPI) votes will make a significant difference. in the Nevada caucuses.

The MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate on Tuesday, January 15th, will pose AAPI specific questions to the Democratic candidates, reflecting the strategic importance and political strength of the AAPI community in Nevada and throughout the US.

The CNN/Nevada Democratic Party Debate last November had 4-million viewers, which set the record for a primary debate – thus, the upcoming MSNBC debate gives candidates an enormous opportunity to address the growing AAPI population in Nevada.

The AAPI population in Clark County has grown significantly in recent years, drawn by economic opportunities.  First-generation AAPIs have made considerable economic contributions, and more than half have gone on to become citizens. Within this diverse community, AAPI subgroups face more education-and-language barriers than others; AAPIs need both cultural and in-language assistance for the upcoming caucus.

“AAPIs are a key electorate in this critical race,” said Gloria Caoile, executive director of the Asian-Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) and APIAVote board member. “AAPIs in Nevada are the fastest growing population in the country and specifically in Clark County   In these unpredictable races – like the Iowa and New Hampshire caucuses, AAPIs will swing the vote.”

“AAPIs from across the US, particularly AAPIs in the West, will be watching,” said Noe Kalipi, APIAVote board member.  “Nevada -- being the first caucus in the West and ranking 3rd for highest Pacific Islander population and 6th for highest Asian American population -- will have a significant impact in how AAPIs vote.”

“More than 50% of first generation AAPIs in Clark County are citizens, and a substantial number of these citizens need in-language assistance to participate politically,” noted Doua Thor, executive director of SEARAC and APIAVote board member.  “Candidates that wish to court their votes must first recognize these issues.” # # #

The Asian and Pacific-Islander American Vote (APIAVote) is a national non-partisan, nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes civic participation of Asian Pacific-Islander Americans in the electoral and public policy processes at the national, state and local levels.

Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)

1666 K Street NW, Suite 440

Washington, D.C. 20006

202-223-9170

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