LOS ANGELES — Asians in California go beyond party politics and put more emphasis on electoral education in preparation for the June 3 primary and the November presidential elections. Asians comprise 12.3 percent of the state’s 37 million population, majority of which are Filipinos.  At the helm of said education effort is the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Cause), a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the civic and political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through non-partisan voter registration and education, community outreach and leadership development.

Last week, Cause opened a toll-free voter assistance hotline (888) 809-3888, where operators help answer questions from voters before the June 3 Primary Elections. Bilingual operators were also available.     On Friday, Cause hosted Assemblyman Ted Lieu (District 53) as he spoke before Asian Pacific America youths at El Camino College in Torrance. Asian Pacific Americans between the ages of 18-25 years are considered the least likely to vote, according to Cause.

Lieu spoke about how important it is for young people to participate in the political process, and will also address the statewide issues relevant to this age group. Cause hopes to help Asian Pacific Americans gain civic awareness and a better understanding of the way their government works. (Pasckie Pascua)