iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
To create awareness and to increase the participation of Indian American voters in the upcoming November 5, United States elections, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has launched the #IndoAmericanVotesMatter campaign.
FIIDS a non-profit institution for policy research and awareness has launched a campaign that aims to register one million Indian-American voters, survey their policy views, and ensure Democrats and Republicans hear their voices.
“As an immigrant minority, it is not only a civic duty, but it is also imperative for Indo-Americans to vote in the elections to get their voice heard,” FIIDS has stated.
Indian Americans, now a community of 4.5 million, have emerged as one of the most influential immigrant groups in the US. Though the community is only 1.5% of the US population, their votes could be decisive in determining the outcome of crucial races in key swing states. With just two months left for the US Presidential elections, the Democratic and Republican parties are going all out to secure a win.
At this crucial juncture, the Indian American diaspora group has launched a campaign to increase the participation of Indian-American voters and policy impact in the upcoming polls. “Both Democrats and Republicans should recognize the importance of Indo-Americans as they are concentrated in critical races spanning states such as Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, New Jersey, Texas, and California.”
US Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris will contest Republican candidate Donald Trump on November 5. Harris is half-Indian and half-Jamaican. Her mixed race has been brought up several times in the course of the Presidential elections. The FIIDS campaign includes a comprehensive survey of Indian Americans to gather their opinions on domestic and global policy issues. “With a sizeable population in swing states crucial to the presidential elections, Indian-Americans have a unique opportunity to make an impact,” said Khanderao Kand, chief of policy and strategy at FIIDS. “The Indian American community’s policy issues and preferences should be seriously considered by both the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC).”
