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| Sichan Siv |
The US is home to some 17 million Asian Americans, but the group as a whole shows only a 50 percent voter turnout rate, according to 2008 figures.
19 September 2012
Reasey Poch, VOA Khmer
WASHINGTON DC - Sichan Siv, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, is encouraging Asian-Americans to vote in November’s presidential eleciton.
The US is home to some 17 million Asian Americans, but the group as a whole shows only a 50 percent voter turnout rate, according to 2008 figures. The overall voter turnout rate for Americans was 64 percent.
“You need to exercise that right,” Sichan Siv told VOA Khmer. “Many people fought war for us to have that freedom. Don’t just become a US citizen to have a US passport. Register to vote and go vote on Election Day.”
Sihcan Siv picked apples and drove taxi cabs before entering public service. Not only should Asian-Americans vote, but they should run for office, too, he said.
“It’s important for us, Asian-Americans who are successful in business and education, to transform that success into political activism,” Sichan Siv said. “I want you to run for city council, school district board, state legislator, US House of Representatives and the US Senate.”
Both the Democratic and Republican parties have officially announced their candidates for the Nov. 6 presidential election. Barrack Obama accepted the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Mitt Romney accepted the Republican nominated at the party’s convention in Tampa, Fla.
Sovann Uy, a guava farmer from Homestead, in southern Florida, told VOA Khmer he became a US citizen years ago but had not yet voted. “Because I’m always too busy, I haven’t had time to vote,” he said.
Channy Mao, of Largo, Fla., who recently became a US citizen, said she was never too busy to vote. “Why? Because I want to choose a leader who I think can lead the country well.”
7 comments:
Yes,go vote but not for the presidential candidate who insulted the 47% poor as non tax payers,depend on Government for food, housing, education,medicare and health care. He also said it is not his job to be responsible for the lazy 47%...
Regularly voter
Do you mean all green card holders or permanent residents (non-U.S. citizens)are allowed to register to vote?
Green card holders or permanent residents have not been eligible to vote yet, but they must be U.S. citizens first.
Khmer Yeurng
Sovann Uy said he is too busy and doesn't have time to vote.
It took me only 30 minutes to drive to a voting booth and cast vote. The voting place open from 8am -8pm
OK,Chansi,You are giving us good advise.and we'll do just that.but we'll not vote for republican candidate whom he just want to be the US.presidence.
I am one in a mong 47% of which your unwanted voters.
Obama is not the problems.the GOP. candidate who took american job oversea is the problems.
sorry Mitt.
It is a tough love for Romny to say that. I think he is actually wanted to empower the poor to be responsible citizens. Somewhat I think the poor are dragging down the country but don't get me wrong I do support social services for the poor and welfare as long as they are not pretenders living of the system.
If you are looking for social services (hand out), go back to where you came from (very likely a communist or socialist country); if you are looking for freedom and opportunities to better yourself, stay here and take advantages of the opportunities that this country has to offer for generations. If you are one of the 47%, GET OFF YOUR LAZY ASS, STOP BLAMING OTHERS, AND STOP GETTING IN LINES FOR HAND OUT!!!! Open your 47% eyes, Cambodians can’t even get a job in Cambodia for $2 an hour.
I came to the USA for the Freedom and Opportunity; It is my responsibility to vote and help preserve it.
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