The Power of the AAPI Vote: Meet Rebecca Liu

Meet Rebecca Liu, a junior in Morrisville, North Carolina, who proudly embraces her Chinese heritage. As a second-generation immigrant, she is passionate about expanding voter engagement, particularly within her community. Rebecca aspires to one day represent her community in government.

What inspires you to show up and engage in voter education work?

Voting is both a right and a privilege. My parents grew up in a country where their vote was not their voice, which fuels my passion for helping people realize the true power of their vote. Growing up, I always felt excited vicariously through my parents on Election Day. It’s a day to make yourself heard, whether it’s voting in presidential elections, local races, or on-ballot measures — and I think everyone should be excited about that!

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?

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.

“What I love about the My School Votes community is that we can brainstorm and face these challenges together, not individually but collectively, with a common goal of perseverance.”

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month often opens discussions around the ongoing challenges the AAPI community has faced and continues to face today. How can we continue these conversations beyond May?

To continue conversations beyond May, we must focus on two key elements. First, we should carry forward the lessons we’ve learned from discussions about AAPI Heritage this month. Our reflections and conversations should translate into meaningful actions, ensuring our words are not in vain. Second, we must maintain an open mind. From my experiences sharing my AAPI background, I don’t often fear hate speech or degradation, but I do sometimes fear judgment. Instead of judging a particular tradition or behavior, try understanding how it is “normal” for us. Approach new cultural experiences with the same openness and respect you would like others to show when learning about your culture.

“Encouraging people to register to vote is a practical and accessible way to begin building a habit of political participation.“

What changes do you hope to see through your volunteer work regarding voting? How can we continue engaging young people who aren’t of voting age but want to be involved in the work of voter education, registering voters, and civic engagement as we head into the 2024 presidential election?

I want to see a strong emphasis on the nonpartisan nature of voter registration. My motivation to register voters isn’t about politics. It’s about ensuring that every eligible person is registered to vote. The aim is to empower all citizens to participate in democracy, regardless of political affiliation.

What about our community brings you joy?

It brings me joy to be around like-minded individuals who share my passion. However, with our passion comes the struggle, as many in our communities are reluctant to register or feel discouraged about politics today. What I love about the My School Votes community is that we can brainstorm and face these challenges together, not individually but collectively, with a common goal of perseverance.

There are no off years in democracy, so join us as we stand up for voting rights. You can get started today by registering to vote (weall.vote/register), texting three friends (weall.vote/check), or by taking action (weall.vote/take-action).