Georgia stands on the brink of an electoral pivot, with Asian American voters emerging as a crucial demographic.
Demographics are shifting, and both political parties are vying for the support of this key voting bloc.
Fastest-Growing Segment of Voters
Asian American voters represent the fastest-growing segment of eligible voters across major racial and ethnic groups in the United States. With rising populations in Georgia, North Carolina, and other battleground states, both political parties see an opportunity to sway these voters.
James Woo of Asian Americans Advancing Justice highlights that, despite their small numbers, Asian Americans could be the deciding factor in close elections. He emphasizes the importance of every vote and encourages community members to participate actively in the political process.
Woo also notes the diverse backgrounds of Asian American voters, with distinct political views shaped by their national origins. From South Asians to Koreans and Vietnamese, this diversity opens the door to varied political preferences.
Economic Concerns and Political Allegiances
The economy is a pivotal issue for many Asian American voters. Woo points out that many community members are small-business owners, heavily impacted by economic policies. Their livelihood depends on the economic environment, making it a significant factor in their voting decisions.
Woo observes that there is less allegiance to political parties among Asian Americans. Instead, their voting decisions are often informed by issues that directly affect their lives, such as the economy and small business challenges.
Shifting Demographics in Georgia
Forsyth County, about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, exemplifies the changing face of Georgia. The Asian American population in this region has more than doubled over the past two decades.
In the 2020 election, Forsyth County delivered 16,000 new Democratic votes, helping Joe Biden win Georgia by a slim margin of 11,780 votes. Now, with further demographic shifts, the outcome of the upcoming election could hinge on this crucial voter group.
The Harris campaign recognises the importance of these voters, with targeted efforts to engage the Asian American community. This includes paid advertising emphasising Kamala Harris’s Indian American roots and her mother’s influence on her life and career.
Different Approaches from Political Parties
The Democratic Party has made significant strides in outreach to Asian American voters, with specific events and initiatives aimed at this community. Woo notes the visible efforts of the Harris campaign to engage and mobilise these voters.
In contrast, Republican outreach appears less pronounced. A Republican Asian American community center, once active in campaign events, has since closed, highlighting a discrepancy in engagement efforts between the two parties.
Steven Cheung of the Trump campaign insists that the 2024 campaign aims to build on past successes with Asian Americans from Trump’s first term. However, the visible outreach efforts seem less robust compared to the Harris campaign’s strategies.
Down-Ballot Candidates and Local Efforts
Local Democratic candidates, like Ashwin Ramaswami, are also recognising the potential impact of Asian American voters. Ramaswami, running against Republican state Sen. Shawn Still, sees the excitement around Harris’s candidacy as beneficial to his campaign.
Forsyth County, traditionally a Republican stronghold, is seeing increasing Democratic activity. The Democratic Party is fielding candidates at various levels, hoping to capitalise on shifting demographics and increased political engagement among Asian Americans.
Sonjui Kumar and her “South Asians for Harris” group are working diligently to register voters and rally support for Harris and the Democratic ticket. With looming voter registration deadlines and early voting starting soon, local efforts are in full swing.
Motivation and Mobilisation
For many Asian Americans, derogatory remarks and mispronunciations of Kamala Harris’s name have spurred political mobilisation. Kannan Udayarajan, who leads the Forsyth County Democratic Party, recalls how such incidents initially motivated him to become politically active.
Udayarajan sees the mocking of Harris’s name as a catalyst for community involvement. The mispronunciation has resonated with many, motivating them to participate politically and support the Democratic campaign.
With the Harris campaign focusing on engaging Asian American voters, Udayarajan notes the strategic importance of Forsyth County. He believes that with continued efforts, this demographic could play a pivotal role in the upcoming election.
The mobilisation of Asian American voters in Georgia is a testament to their growing influence in American politics.
With demographics shifting and political engagement increasing, these voters could be the deciding factor in a tightly contested election.
