Q: As a My School Votes ambassador, how do you encourage open discussion about voting and civic engagement, especially when working within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities?
A: Voting is a complex topic in my community. When my parents were growing up in China, civic engagement was not emphasized. As a result, many Chinese immigrants who came to America during that period were not very involved in politics or government. However, registering to vote can be a great gateway to changing this pattern of civic engagement.
Encouraging people to register to vote is a practical and accessible way to begin building a habit of political participation. Voting is a fundamental aspect of democracy and is crucial for ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in government. By starting with voter registration, we can take a concrete step towards greater civic involvement, making the process approachable for those unfamiliar with or skeptical of its importance.
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