Skip to main content

CAPAC Members Recognize National Voter Registration Day

September 19, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) recognize National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan day encouraging all eligible Americans, including Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, to register to vote.

CAPAC Members released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“Today we bring awareness to an essential part of our democracy—the right to vote. Registering and participating in our nation’s elections is a crucial way to exercise our civic duty and I am encouraged to see that AANHPI communities are the fastest growing electorate in our nation. However, communities of color still face significant barriers to accessing the ballot box, and we must continue to ensure that all Americans can continue to participate in our country’s democracy easily and safely and have their votes counted. I join my fellow CAPAC Members in uplifting this day for all Americans to make sure they are registered to vote and ensure their voices are heard in our democracy.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in the country, and it is imperative that everyone participate in our democracy by registering to vote. On National Voter Registration Day, let’s recommit to this basic tenet of our democracy. Elections have consequences and your voice can play a critical role on issues like reproductive rights, education, and national defense. But to do this, you need to register AND participate. I encourage people in my district and around the country to check their voter registration status, and to take the steps to register to vote today!”

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):

“Today we celebrate the collective power of our diverse AAPI community and the strength that lies in our voices. Registering to vote is one of the most patriotic actions one can take and it is of the utmost importance to preserve our right to vote. As we commemorate National Voter Registration Day, let us never forget the importance of making our voices heard.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):

“Voting is an essential part of a healthy and vibrant democracy. National Voter Registration Day provides us with a great opportunity to highlight how important it is to make sure that Americans of all ages, identities, and backgrounds play a role in building a government that reflects their goals and responds to their needs. To truly have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, all eligible voters must have the opportunity to cast their ballots. Today and every day, I stand with my colleagues in Congress to protect the right to vote and ensure every voter has their voice heard.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“Voting is the cornerstone of our nation’s democracy. It is a fundamental right, and as Republicans in Congress and around the country have attempted to roll back that right in recent years, we must fight back and expand access to the ballot. Democrats have introduced vital legislation, like the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which make it easier to vote, protect our elections, and strengthen our democracy. America is made stronger when people of all races, ages, and backgrounds take part in the democratic process and make their voices heard at the ballot box. This National Voter Registration Day, I vow to continue protecting and expanding voting rights across America.”

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“Voting is fundamental to democracy. Our country is stronger when more Americans of all identities, ages and backgrounds participate in our democracy. This National Voter Registration Day I encourage everyone to make sure their voter registration is up-to-date, and their friends, family, and community do the same. Every generation, every family, and every friend group can be actively engaged, promote civic engagement, and make sure their voice is heard. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to get engaged & stay engaged, doing so strengthens our democracy.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12):

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy and fundamental to American progress. With many of our freedoms in peril — from racial justice to women's rights to climate action and so much more — it is beyond crucial that every person exercise their right to vote. In fact, the very right to vote has come under attack in recent years, especially the voting rights of minorities throughout our country. But we have the power to advocate for the issues we believe in and uphold our democratic values. I urge every eligible voter to check their registration and make a plan to vote at vote.gov, because the laws created by those we elect affect us every day. On this National Voter Registration Day, I continue to stand with my colleagues in CAPAC for greater representation and to ensure that every voice is heard.”

CAPAC Civil Rights & Voting Rights Task Force Chair Rep. Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03):

“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. We must all remain active, vigilant and engaged citizens despite recent efforts to weaken our fundamental right to vote. On National Voter Registration Day and as CAPAC’s Voting Rights Taskforce Chair, I stand with my colleagues in protecting voting rights for all Americans and encouraging everyone eligible register to vote.”

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ):

“The right to vote is the very heart of our American democracy. Exercising this right starts with getting registered. However, across our country, the right to vote and even the right to register to vote has come under attack as some people in power seek to systematically restrict people’s access to the ballot box. This National Voter Registration Day, I will continue to fight to protect and expand voting rights and ensure all Americans can participate in our democratic process.”

Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03):

“National Voter Registration Day is a reminder to strengthen our democracy by stepping up and participating at the polls. Your vote is your voice, and time and time again we’ve seen attempts by extremists around the country who want to silence that voice by limiting access to the ballot box – especially in marginalized communities. I stand with my CAPAC colleagues in recommitting ourselves to do everything in our power to protect this fundamental right and encourage everyone to make sure they are registered to vote.”

Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):

“The right to vote is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Yet, for many marginalized communities voting rights are under constant attack. Since the 2020 election, we have seen a sharp increase in voter intimidation, election conspiracy theories, and legislation aimed at voter suppression. On this National Voter Registration Day, Congress must recommit to passing reforms that protect and expand access to the ballot box – such as the Freedom to Vote Act and the Voting Rights Advancement Act. At the individual level, I encourage everyone to make sure their voter registration is up to date and make their voice heard.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“This National Voter Registration Day, I encourage all Americans to ensure their registration is up to date. Voting is an important part of our democracy and our country is strengthened when all Americans participate. Today, I join my fellow CAPAC members in celebrating National Voter Registration Day and ensuring we continue our fight to protect voter rights.”