社評 0818 我們要積極參與地方政治

我們要積極參與地方政治

美國政治體制是以地方政治結合聯邦體制， 地方從縣市及州之各項選舉是全國政治之基礎 ，尤其是市長及國會議員是地方選出最重要之官員。

多年來 ，我們參予市長及國會議員之大小選舉， 由於投票人數不多，捐款也有限，因此對選舉之影響不大， 但是我們確是有決定性之少數關鍵， 不容小窺 。

就目前情勢而言， 華亞裔人口正不斷增長， 而且已達到百分之十之比例。 但是， 我們真正去投票之比例還是太少， 大家對政治還是不太關心， 我們必須加強宣導選民登記， 尤其可以從各社團教會等宗親組織開始， 把選民造册以便隨時動員。

今天國內外環境不斷惡化，俄烏戰事台海情勢及各種天災席捲全球。 我們必須團結在一起 ，共同面對未來之情勢 ，這一切和我們生活之社區及民選官員有密切之關係。 

我們在此呼籲 ，不論你支持何黨何派， 最重要的還是參與投票以實際行動來參加政治活動 ，才能保障自己之權益 。

休斯敦市長及市議員大選在即， 一股政治熱潮正在醖釀之中， 我們必須稹極行動，共同表達我們之意願，這裡是我們的家。

We Should Actively Participate In Local Politics 

The U.S. political system combines local politics with the federal system. Local elections from counties, cities and states are the basis of national politics. In particular, mayors and members of congress are the most important officials elected by local voters.

Over the years, we as Asian Americans have participated in both large and small elections, but due to the small number of votes cast and with limited donations, the influence has been limited. 

But in the last few years, the situation has changed. More and more Asians are moving to Houston. Now we have reached to 10% of the total population. We really need to tap into strengthening and promoting voter registration to prevent inaccuracies in voting, then go out and vote. 

Today the environments both at home and abroad are deteriorating. The war is still going on in Ukraine and as tensions still persist about the Taiwan Strait, various natural disasters have swept over the world. 

We must unite together to face the future situation because it is also related to our local community. 

We are here to appeal that no matter what party you belong to, or who you vote for, just take the action to do it. 

The Houston mayor and city council election is coming up. We urge you to be a part of this important political process to elect our officials and to express our wishes together. This is our home.