WHO GETS TO ROCK THE VOTE? AN ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURAL BARRIERS TO VOTING FOR ASIAN AMERICAN COLLECTIVES WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the presence of structural barriers to voting for Asian American communities within the state of Georgia. Throughout its history, Georgia has grappled with a legacy of controversial voting laws, ranging from Jim Crow laws to the modern implementation of strict language interpreter guidelines, voter ID requirements, and exact match name laws. After a contentious outcome surrounding the 2018 gubernatorial election between candidates Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp, a resurgence of public desire to investigate the presence of structural barriers to voter participation resurfaced. This research paper aims to extend the preexisting voting rights literature beyond the Black and White binary by exploring the perspectives of various Asian American activists, lawyers, and campaign volunteers. The rapidly rising demographic population of Asian American communities in Georgia warrants a much-needed diversi fication within the realm of political research.