New York City (Nov. 9, 2016) — Preliminary exit poll findings released by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) from 14,400 Asian American voters reveal that Asian American voters in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, and Nevada strongly favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race.
“The extreme anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and racist rhetoric in this election was deeply disturbing to Asian American voters, who wanted to support candidates who shared their values and hope for America,” said Margaret Fung, AALDEF executive director.
AALDEF dispatched 950 attorneys, law students, and community volunteers to 64 cities in 14 states to document voter problems on Election Day and to conduct a nonpartisan Asian American exit poll in English and 12 Asian languages.
“The Asian American Exit Poll provides critical information about the Asian American electorate, including limited English proficiency rates, lack of language assistance, and other barriers, such as voters being required to prove their citizenship, remove their religious headscarves, or provide ID because of their race or appearance,” said AALDEF Democracy Program Director Jerry Vattamala.
Based on Asian American voters polled on Election Day, 79 percent backed Hillary Clinton, 17 percent were for Donald Trump, and 3 percent voted for other candidates. The following is a breakdown by state:
Vote for President:
Pennsylvania
87 percent for Clinton
12 percent for Trump
1 percent other
(Trump won 49 percent of total votes, Clinton 48 percent, other 2 percent)
Michigan
91 percent for Clinton
7 percent for Trump
1 percent other
(Trump won 48 percent, Clinton 47 percent, other 4 percent)
Virginia
81 percent for Clinton
18 percent for Trump
1 percent other
(Clinton won 50 percent, Trump 45 percent, other 3 percent)
Georgia
69 percent Clinton
21 percent Trump
3 percent other
(Trump won 51 percent, Clinton 46 percent, other 3 percent)
Texas
59 percent for Clinton
33 percent for Trump
2 percent other
(Trump won 53 percent, Clinton 43 percent, other 3 percent)
Louisiana
46 percent for Clinton
49 percent for Trump
1 percent other
(Trump won 58 percent, Clinton 38 percent, other 2 percent)
Nevada
69 percent for Clinton
29 percent for Trump
2 percent other
(Clinton won 48 percent, Trump 45 percent, other 3 percent)
Maryland
71 percent for Clinton, 23 percent for Trump, 1 percent other
(Clinton won 60 percent, Trump 35 percent, other 3 percent)
Massachusetts
80 percent for Clinton,
12 percent for Trump,
1 percent other
(Clinton won 61 percent,Trump 33 percent, other 4 percent)
New Jersey
83 percent for Clinton
13 percent for Trump
2 percent other
(Clinton won 55 percent, Trump 42 percent, other 2 percent)
California
77 percent for Clinton,
17 percent for Trump,
2 percent other
(Clinton won 61 percent, Trump 33 percent, other 3 percent)
New York
82 percent for Clinton,
14 percent for Trump
2 percent other
(Clinton won 59 percent, Trump 37 percent, other 2 percent)
On Election Day, AALDEF collected surveys from close to 14,400 Asian American voters at 91 polling places in 14 states with large or fast-growing Asian American populations. Poll sites were selected based on voter registration files, census data, interviews with local election officials and community leaders, and a history of voting problems.
Approximately 950 attorneys, law students, and community volunteers were stationed at poll sites throughout the day, generally between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Surveys were written in English and 12 Asian languages, and volunteers were conversant in Asian languages and dialects.
Additional exit poll results regarding Asian ethnic groups, most important issues influencing their votes, and preferences for Senate and House candidates will be released soon.
The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), founded in 1974, is a New York-based national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. By combining litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing, AALDEF works with Asian American communities across the country to secure human rights for all. AALDEF partnered with 121 national and local groups, law firms, and student associations to mobilize volunteers for Election Day.
