National Korean American Service and Education Consortium 2004 Voter Guide
In the 2000 election, the Asian Pacific Islander American voting population was greater than the difference that captured the electoral votes in nine states. Your vote can make a difference.

Why Should You Vote?

  • 52% of Korean Americans have no Healthcare insurance.
  • The jobless rate among Asian Pacific Islander Americans is 3.6% and among immigrants is 7.5%, up 53% since December 2000.
  • In recent years, immigrants and APIAs have increasingly been the victims of hate crimes & prejudice.
  • Despite bipartisan support nothing has happened on immigration reform legislation bills that would benefit immigrant children, agricultural workers, & families trying to reunite.

    Things to Bring with You on Election Day:

  • Many states have a Photo ID requirement. Check with your local election office about any new voting procedures or voting requirements (see some list of numbers below)
  • If you do not have a Photo ID, you may also use (in some cities) an official document with your name and address listed (a utility bill, etc)
  • Identify your correct polling place
  • Check the times that polling places will open and close. In case problems arise at the polling site: 866) VOTE-NYC, or call YKASEC - Empowering the Korean American Community 718) 460-5600.

    Know Your Rights:

  • Many states allow the use of provisional or affidavit ballots if your name or voter registration is challenged at the polling place.
  • For many states, if you are on line when the polls close, you are still allowed to vote.
  • You have the right to vote without feeling discriminated or harassed.
  • See your local election board for a full list of rights you have as a voter.

    For more information on the issues and the electoral process, please go to www.nakasec.org Resources Page, scroll down to the voter education materials available.

    © 2004 National Korean American Service and Education Consortium



    • National Association of Korean Americans (NAKA)-NY Chapter 2004 Voter Guide

    Bush (Republican)
    www.georgebush.com

  • B.A., Yale University
  • M.B.A., Harvard U.
  • President, 2001-present

    • Kerry (Democrat)
    www.johnkerry.com

  • B.A., Yale University
  • J.D., Boston College
  • United States Senate, 1984 - present

    • Nader (Independent)
    www.votenader.org

  • B.A., Princeton University
  • J.D., Harvard Law School
  • Attorney


    • North Korea
  • Rejects bilateral talks with North Korea; supports six-party talks on nuclear issue, using "China’s leverage."
  • Labeled North Korea part of the "axis of evil" in 2002; will not give any benefits to North Korea until North Korea first dismantles its nuclear program "completely, verifiably and irreversibly."
  • Plans to withdraw 12,000 U.S. troops from S. Korea by 2008.



    • North Korea
  • Supports bilateral talks with North Korea along with six-party talks; willing to enter a "comprehensive agreement that addresses the full range of issues of concern..."
  • Opposes troop withdrawal from Korea until the nuclear issue is settled.



    • North Korea
  • Favors preventive diplomacy.
  • Bring our troops from Asia.
  • Support democratic forces.


    • Immigration
  • Favors granting temporary legal status to undocumented workers and those outside the U.S. who line up jobs in the U.S.; permanent legal status to those who qualify under existing law only.



    • Immigration
  • Favors legalization for those who have been in the U.S. at least five years, paid taxes, and "stayed out of trouble."



    • Immigration
  • Supports all peoples’ right to food, housing and medical care
  • Favors driver’s license for undocumented.


    • Health Care
  • Will open 1,200 new community health centers to serve additional six million Americans by 2006.
  • Opposes women’s right to abortion.



    • Health Care
  • Will provide health insurance to all children; allow people from 55 to 64 years old to buy into Medicare program early; give 50% tax credits to those self-employed or own small businesses.
  • Supports women’s right to abortion.



    • Health Care
  • Supports a single-payer health plan: where government finances heath care, but delivery of health care is given to private non-profits with free choice of doctors and hospitals.


    • Civil Rights
  • Opposed University of Michigan affirmative action program that included race as one of the factors in college admission.
  • Favors extension and expansion of the Patriot Act (2001).



    • Civil Rights

  • Supports affirmative action
  • Favors repealing some of the intrusive provisions in the Patriot Act such as "sneak and peek" provision.



    • Civil Rights
  • Supports affirmative action.
  • Favors repeal of Patriot Act and end to secret detention.



    • (Info is based on candidates’ statements, their websites, public record, and www.fcnl.org)
    © 2004 National Association of Korean Americans (NAKA)-NY Chapter