Asian Immigrant Organizers Respond to Racist Ballot Box Conspiracy Theory in Arizona

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2021

CONTACT: 

Hayley Burgess, hayleyrburgess@gmail.com, 626-497-2341

Asian Immigrant Organizers Respond to Racist Ballot Box Conspiracy Theory in Arizona

PHOENIX — Officials leading the GOP audit in Maricopa County, Ariz. announced that they will examine 2020 ballots for evidence of “bamboo fiber” as part of disinformation efforts regarding elections in Arizona. This is the latest conspiracy theory among many alleging voter fraud in the November election. 

Becky Belcore, Executive Director of NAKASEC, issued the following statement in response:

“The far right is desperate to misdirect and find a boogeyman for their failure to win elections — and this racist lie is just the latest attempt to direct anger for their own shortcomings towards Asians. 

“Here’s the truth: Racist lies might animate their base further, but they’re still no match for the power we’ve built by organizing, registering voters, and strengthening coalitions and solidarity across multi-racial communities. 

“Instances of blatant racism like this one cannot be left unchallenged — not ever, but especially not now. The resurgence of violence against Asian Americans is painful, deadly, and it is driven precisely by lies and stereotypes like these, fueled by the far right and Republicans in Arizona. 

“Americans of all stripes, including Asian Americans, Black people, Latinx voters and many others voices were heard at the ballot box in November. This is the latest attempt among many to disenfranchise voters of color, in line with the ongoing and outrageous suppression of Black voters happening in places like Georgia and Florida. We will not allow the far right to lie about our community in order to silence our voices and direct hatred toward us.” 

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nakasec.org 

The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) is a grassroots organization founded in 1994 by local community centers to project a progressive voice and promote the full participation of Korean and Asian Americans within the social justice movement. Our mission is to organize Korean and Asian Americans to achieve social, economic, and racial justice. Currently, the NAKASEC Network includes our local Affiliates