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Sunday, December 22, 2024

Korean American groups unite for voter registration drive ahead of elections

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James Ahn (third from left), president of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, encourages Korean Americans to vote during a press conference for a voter registration campaign at the Korean American Community Center on January 10. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]

In preparation for the upcoming March elections, Korean-American organizations have collaborated to launch a voter registration campaign. The campaign aims to increase voter turnout and strengthen the political influence of the Korean-American community.

At a joint press conference held at the Korean American Community Center on December 10, the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) announced that it will be hosting voter registration booths in collaboration with three Korean-American nonprofits and three Korean-American youth organizations.

Participating organizations in this initiative are the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (KACCLA), the Koreatown Youth & Community Center (KYCC), the Korean American Coalition (KAC), the Hwarang Youth Foundation, PAVA World, and the Dream Tree Youth Leaders Foundation. These booths will offer services including voter registration for both U.S. and Korean citizens, assistance with mail-in ballots, and information on the election schedule.

“California’s Presidential Primary Election is scheduled for March 5, and the 22nd Korean Overseas Voting for National Assembly Members will take place from March 27 to April 1,” said Jeff Lee, Executive Director of the KAFLA. “Therefore, we are registering voters for both U.S. citizens and Korean nationals. Anyone over the age of 18 can register, so be sure to visit our booth and exercise your rights.”

For those looking to participate in California’s Primary Election, voter registration remains open until February 20. To participate in the Korean National Assembly election, voters must register by February 10.

Voter registration booths will operate from January 22 through the end of February at the KAFLA’s office from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and at Koreatown Plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.

“Given the recent consolidation of the Koreatown district during the redistricting process and the proposed expansion of LA City Council seats, it is crucial for Korean Americans to register and vote,” said Lee.

The LA City Council is currently seeking to expand the number of seats from 15 to 25 starting in 2032. In the 2026 election, the council members elected to odd-numbered districts will serve six-year terms.

Prospective voters should bring a driver’s license or ID card, and Korean nationals should also present an original Korean passport for overseas voter registration for the Korean National Assembly election.

For more information, call (323)732-0700.

BY NICOLE CHANG, HOONSIK WOO   [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]