nwasianweekly.com
Mar. 21, 2008

Voters flying high (and far)

This week, we report on the significant number of local Taiwanese Americans flying back to their homeland to vote in the presidential election March 22.

It is completely fascinating and surprising that so many, up to 700, are taking the time, money and effort to make the 13-hour flight to Taipei.

Although we have reservations about the advisability of immigrants voting in the elections of two countries, we do admire these Taiwanese Americans for their fierce dedication to the democratic process and their passion for the future of Taiwan. Taiwan’s democratic elections are still relatively new — the country’s first presidential elections were held in 1996 — and if these long-distance voters are any indication, there is no reason to doubt the vigor and longevity of democracy there.

This is true commitment of a citizenry. Many of the people flying back said they did not deliberate about making the trip. They did not weigh whether it was worth it to cast a single vote; it never occurred to them to not vote, no matter what the exertion.

These voters are truly passionate about ensuring that Taiwan succeeds as a democracy. They inspire their fellow Taiwanese Americans to be passionate. And they should inspire Asian Americans of all homelands to equally commit to the democratic process here in America.

Thirteen hours on a cramped plane, $500 for a ticket and time off from work — all to vote! Many people would add, “just,” as in “just to vote.” But the lengths that some are willing to go to in order to “just” vote should convince the rest of us that voting is monumental. It is not a chore or a nuisance, it’s something people travel around the world to do.

This mindset is admirable. Unfortunately, it is also foreign to most Americans. Recently, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon attributed his party’s poor performance in France’s recent municipal elections to low voter turnout, at 62 percent. Last year, voter turnout in the French presidential elections was 84 percent.

In contrast, about 55 percent of eligible Americans voted in the 2004 U.S. presidential elections. Sixty-two percent would be a vast improvement here.

Perhaps this year’s presidential elections will inspire a record-high turnout. Remember, you won’t have to go more than a few miles, and it’s completely free.

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