2020 Survey of Suburban Chinese American Voters Report
Originally shared September 2021
From July 8 to August 26, 2020, a coalition of partner organizations coordinated by AAPIs for Civic Empowerment Education Fund fielded a survey in five California suburban regions with high Chinese American immigrant voter density. The results of this survey demonstrate that suburban Chinese American voters are far from a monolith and, depending on the issue, may vary across party affiliation, age, and/or nativity.
Some statistics about Chinese Americans in California:
- 5% of all Californians
- 3% of registered voters in the state.
- Largest Asian origin group in the country.
- Have similarities to communities in other states like New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Georgia.
- 10% of all residents in Alameda County.
Partner organizations
Asian Youth Center, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Chinese Progressive Association, Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, South Bay Youth Changemakers
Surveyed counties
San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Orange
Key Findings about Chinese Americans in California
On issues:
- 76% care about gun control
- 72% care about immigrant rights
- 69% care about local police reforms
- 69% care about local job opportunities
- 66% care about recycling and environment
- 65% care about housing affordability
- 58% care about college admissions process
On housing policy:
- 74% support providing more mental health and drug-treatment in their community.
- 71% support producing more affordable housing in their community.
- 52% support providing more shelters in their community.
On whether race should be considered along with other factors in college admissions:
- 31% agree
- 29% disagree
- 41% neither agree/disagree
On deaths of Black Americans during encounters with police:
- 52% think these are a sign of a broader problem
- 36% think these are isolated incidents
- 16% are not sure
With a shared experience of discrimination and racism, and a recognition that Black deaths at the hands of police are part of broader problem, there are possibilities to join together across race lines.
Major Takeaways
- Don’t make assumptions … Learn more about Chinese communities.
- Disaggregate data to understand different AAPI ethnicities.
- Make Asian and Chinese Americans part of your plans for organizing and outreach.
- Engage community leaders to help shape your strategies.
- Opportunities exist if you invest in Chinese civic engagement and mobilization
Download and read the full report here:
Download an infographic of key findings here:
