At an event hosted by the New York Democratic Club in Flushing on Sunday, community leaders and politicians gathered to discuss the importance of voter education and civic engagement among Asian Americans, particularly those of Nepali descent. The event aimed to empower the Nepali American community to participate actively in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Congresswoman Grace Meng, a key speaker, highlighted the obstacles facing the Nepali community and emphasized the power of their votes. “This program is not just for the Nepali American community but for the entire community,” she said.
“Voting is essential because it’s how we engage with the government and the political process.” Meng cited the Nepali community’s recent victories, such as securing TPS and access to COVID-19 vaccines, as evidence of their impact when they make their voices heard.
Juleigh Chinn, NYS Democratic Party Coalition Manager for AAPI Affairs, stressed the power of unity within the Asian community. She emphasized that Asian voters are no longer a marginalized minority but a “margin of victory community.” Chinn encouraged the community to vote together and recognize the impact of their political participation.
Steven Raga, Assemblymember for District 30 of NY, another speaker, urged attendees not only to register and vote but also to encourage their friends and family to do the same. He emphasized that the Nepali community has now entered mainstream politics.
Khagendra GC, an advisor to the New York Democratic Club, discussed the use of AI-powered voter education initiatives targeting the Nepali American community. He focused on educating Nepali American voters about registration and voting procedures through AI-based tools.
Shreeya Tuladhar, Executive Director of the Minority Empowerment Network, focused on the importance of language assistance at polling stations, highlighting the challenges faced by the Nepali community in exercising their right to vote in their preferred language.
The event also featured speeches from various political figures and community leaders, all emphasizing the crucial role of voter education and participation. With nearly 100,000 Nepali Americans eligible to vote in the upcoming election, including 35,000 first-time voters, the President of the New York Democratic Club, Gyanal Thapa, stressed the importance of voter registration and the community’s opportunity to make history. Nabaraj KC delivered the welcoming address.
Additional speakers, including Hiram Monserrate, Martin Dolan, Ricardo Pacheco, Glenda Hernandez, Chameli Pariyar, Tio Chino, Dao Yin, and Krishna Prasad Lamichhane, shared encouraging messages about the importance of voting and voter education. The event was hosted by Kiran Marahatta.
The event brought together leaders from various Asian communities, all focused on one message: vote, engage, and make a difference.