Dec 10th - Letter to Commissioners

December 10, 2021

Dear Commissioners,

On behalf of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) and over

200 organizations, businesses, and individuals, I am writing to thank you for making changes

to the CD210 map at the December 8, 2021 meeting. The Commission’s decision to draw

CD210 in a way that protects Asian American voting rights signifies that the Commission

hears and understands the community’s desire to progress forward. These changes to center

the Asian American community as the largest minority community, include Asian American

majority cities, and increase the Asian CVAP in the current CD210 map will ensure that the

voting rights of the West San Gabriel Valley’s (WSGV) Asian American community are

protected.

The original draft map of CD210 split the Asian American community, which resulted in an

outcry from community members throughout San Gabriel Valley. CAUSE quickly began

bringing together civically-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations who wanted their

voices heard by the Commission and knew they would be stronger and louder together.

This network, built over decades, was able to mobilize quickly through social media, phone

calls, ethnic media, and traditional media, reaching hundreds, if not thousands, of people.

Supporters of the CAUSE Joint statement included a diverse range of intergenerational

supporters such as longtime community leaders, influential elders, business owners, student

clubs, immigrant-led organizations, interns, and private citizens who rallied around the notion

that action was needed to protect the voting rights of the WSGV Asian American community.

As the Commission may choose to revisit the CD210 map between now and the certification of

the final maps, please ensure that Asian American voting rights and political representation

are protected in the WSGV by:

• Centering the Asian American community as the largest minority community

• Maintaining the Asian CVAP to as close to 35% as possible

• Keeping cities with Asian American and Pacific Islander majority, Monterey Park, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City, and Arcadia, together

Of those who have signed onto CAUSE’s joint statement, they know they have a home with

CAUSE to advocate for Asian American political representation and voting rights. Now, they

also know that the Commission stands with them as well.

Thank you again for your service, and, most of all, thank you for listening to our community.

CAUSE Congratulates Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris

We, at CAUSE, want to celebrate and recognize Kamala Harris’ historic moment as the first female, South Asian American, and Black American Vice President-elect. 

This year’s historic voter turnout of more than 160 million people speaks to CAUSE’s mission of political and civic empowerment of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. A recent statewide poll conducted in partnership with CAUSE, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), and Los Angeles Urban League, shows that 81% of APAs find their ethnicity important to their identity and how they think of themselves. Though they value their own ethnic identity, 57% of APAs also believe that they face racial barriers when it comes to involvement in politics.  

As the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the US according to the Pew Research Center, APAs have an important role and opportunity in the upcoming years to be more civically engaged. The 2018 Asian American Voter Survey, conducted by AAPI Data and APIA Vote, found that an increase in APA civic participation is related to the increased number of APA elected officials and candidates running for office. CAUSE’s conducted statewide poll also shows that APAs most believed out of any other group, at 71%, that they will be more accepted in the United States in the future. 

Having Kamala Harris on the Presidential ticket is momentous for our country and our APA community. It has inspired many APA voters to make their voices heard and get involved  in this year’s election. CAUSE will continue working to increase APA civic participation and engage our powerful voting community by actively being part of the process to build today’s and tomorrow’s APA leaders. 

We are so appreciative to all the voters, poll workers for their support in the voting process, and community organizers for their work, including increasing APA voter accessibility. 

CAUSE has supported current and future APA leaders through the various programs that we offer. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was a keynote speaker at the 2013 CAUSE Women In Power Luncheon. Echoing similar sentiments in her Vice President-elect acceptance speech this past Saturday, she encouraged young minority women to pursue careers in politics and public service and reminded them that they are not alone.

Watch then CA Attorney General Kamala Harris’ speech highlights at the CAUSE 2013 Women in Power Luncheon.