There is a big reason why the 2012 election will prove to be a memorable one. Here’s a hint–it has to do with something other than the usual topics of job growth, the ever-impending economic recession, or foreign policy. The political landscape is changing. Asian Americans have been playing an increased role in politics each year. The election this year illustrates that. 30 Asian Americans made shots for Congress this year–more than any other year.  In addition, Asian American voters are expected to turn out in force this year.  As the campaigns kick their efforts into high gear this month, we’ll bring you unbiased news, resources, and commentary from across the nation to make your choice this November a valuable one.

(This post will be updated daily until Election Day!  Got a source you want included?  Send it to editor@alist-magazine.com.)

Register to Vote

• 18 Million Rising

Studies

• Public Opinion of a Growing Electorate: Asian American and Pacific Islanders in 2012 by National Asian American Survey (Karthick Ramakrishnan, Taeku Lee, Jane Junn, Janelle Wong)
• The Policy Priorities and Issue Preferences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by National Asian American Survey (Karthick Ramakrishnan, Taeku Lee)

Events

• October 11, 2012 (9pm – 10:30pm ET) – Vice Presidential Debate: Foreign and Domestic Policy
• October 16, 2012 (9pm – 10:30pm ET) – Presidential Debate
• October 22, 2012 (9pm – 10:30pm ET) – Presidential Debate

San Francisco

Organizations/Resources

Federal Candidates & Incumbents

• Marisha Agana (R-OH 13th)
• Ron Bhalla (R-TN 3rd)
• Ami Bera (D-CA 7th)
• Jay Chen (D-CA 39th)
• Judy Chu (D-CA 27th)
• Upendra Chivukula (D-NJ 7th)
• Jun Choi (D-NJ 7th)
• Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-MI 13th)
• Darshan Rauniyar (D-WA 1st)
• Tammy Duckworth (D-IL 8th)
• Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI 2nd)
• Ricky Gill (R-CA 9th)
• Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI 1st)
• Steve Hobbs (D-WA 1st)
• Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-HI 2nd)
• Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA 15th)
• Sukhee Kang (Mayor of Irvine, CA)  (D-CA 45th)
• Esther Kia’aina (D-HI 2nd)
• Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8th)
• Otto Lee (D-CA 22nd)
• Mufi Hannemann (D-HI 2nd)
• Rep. Doris Matsui (D) CA-5
• Grace Meng (D-NY 6th)
• Nate Shinagawa (D-NY 23rd)
• Syed Taj (D-MI 11th)
• Mark Takano (D-CA 41st)
• Manan Trivedi (D-PA 6th)
• Vipin Verma (D-FL 7th)

Articles

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are not afraid to use their economic muscle. Despite being half to a third the size of other minority groups, the 2010 consumer and business spending power of Asian Americans was some $1.2 trillion, equal to African Americans and just trailing Latinos.

Asian Americans donated to political campaigns at the highest rate last election, at 13 percent, which equaled political giving from white donors. This was higher than donations from African Americans (8 percent) and Latino Americans (5 percent). Asian Americans so far this cycle have donated at 11 percent.

• October 18, 2012 – ALIST – “Why should Asian American women vote?“
• October 4, 2012 – Richard Lui/Seattle Times – “Op-ed: Asian Americans could be the ultimate swing vote“
• October 3, 2012 – Hyphen – “Does Obama Have Asian Americans in the Bag?“
• October 2, 2012 – Huffington Post – “Hey, Obama and Romney: Asian Americans Are Up for Grabs“
• October 2, 2012 – Huffington Post – “Survey Reveals Asians Are a Voting Bloc that Cannot Be Ignored“
• October 2, 2012 – Sacramento Bee – “Influence of Asian American, Pacific Islander voters grows“
• October 1, 2012 – Koream – “Study: 1 in 3 Asian American Voters Is Undecided“
• September 3, 2012 – Complex – “President Obama Compares His Team to the Miami Heat, Says Mitt Romney Is Jeremy Lin“
• August 5, 2012 – NPR – “Could 2012 Be The Year Of The Asian Voter?“
• July 28, 2012 – Politico – “Asian-American vote key for both parties“
• July 28, 2012 – Salon – “Will Asian Voters Swing the Election?“
• July 19, 2012 – CS Monitor – “Asian-Americans take higher profile in Congressional races“
• May 27, 2012 – Star Advertiser – “Obama reaches out to Asian-American voters“

Infographics

Multimedia

• (Video) MSNBC – “An October surprise for Obama, Romney?“
• (Video) MSNBC – “Impact of Asian-American vote on 2012 race“
• (Video) Jubilee Project – “#TakeAction Campaign – (Don’t) VOTE“
• (Video) Fung Brothers – “Does Your Asian Mom Vote?“
• (Audio) NPR – “Unique Obstacles for Asian Americans in Voting“