Dear Friends,
I was in middle school when my social studies teacher taught me an important lesson.
“Raise your hand if you were born here in Guam.”
Almost the entire class raised their hand, including me.
“Now, raise your hand if you were born in the United States.”
Only two of my classmates raised their hand.
He revealed that only these two classmates would be able to vote. And that, for the rest of us, our vote as Guam residents does not count in federal elections.
My name is Javan Santos, and I work for AAPI Equity Alliance as the Stop AAPI Hate Policy Manager. I was born and raised in Guam, a nebulous and unincorporated territory where only certain parts of the U.S. constitution applied. And I learned at a young age that policy and history are constantly impacting the indigenous people of Guam, the Chamorro community.
That moment sparked my eagerness to engage with my local government. As part of Guam Youth Congress, a legislative body of youth, I passed a plastic bag ban into law while in high school. But there was only so much I could do in Guam, where the glass ceiling was clear.
In 2021, I made the move to D.C. to push for environmental policies that would positively impact the Pacific Islands. Now, as I’m expanding my policy work for the wider Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, I realized something…
My phone blows up with text messages from my family. “How will you vote? Your vote will represent us.” This year, I will vote in my first-ever presidential election!
Today is Voter Registration Day, and I’m thrilled to share that I have registered to vote – on behalf of my family, community and homeland. It’s truly a privilege to use my voice for good. Will you join me in using your power for your community?
