Politics Everywhere is a series of events that bring practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to campus. Each event explores how politics, policy, and institutions shape our daily lives. The series is open to the public and press. Event topics vary because politics is everywhere.
Politics Everywhere: Understanding the AAPI Vote
Location: Skylight Room, The Commons
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm
The event is free, but an RSVP is required.
Asian Americans are a rapidly growing population with significantly higher voter turnout and political participation than a decade ago. Their diverse experiences, identities, and policy priorities make them a dynamic voting bloc whose electoral influence will only continue to grow in Maryland and beyond.
Join the UMBC Institute of Politics (IoP) for an event examining the growing influence of Asian American voters and what drives their political engagement. The event will feature a reception with food and drinks from across Asian cultures, followed by a keynote address and moderated panel discussion with Asian American leaders in Maryland.
Keynote
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, State of Maryland
Lt. Governor Miller is the first Asian American and immigrant elected to statewide office in Maryland.
Moderators
Del. Mark Chang (’99), District 32
Trisha Sirsat (’27), IoP Research Assistant
Panelists
Del. David Moon, District 20
Del. Kris Valderrama, District 26
Del. Harry Bhandari (‘21), District 8
Jaymi Sterling, State’s Attorney, St. Mary’s County
Sushant Sidh, Principal, Capitol Strategies
Event Schedule
6:45 pm Reception featuring foods and drinks from different Asian cultures
7:00 pm Welcome remarks and introduction of keynote speaker
7:10 pm Keynote address
7:35 pm Moderated panel discussion
8:20 pm Audience questions (time permitting)
8:25 pm Closing remarks
The event is co-sponsored by the Asian Studies Program, the Global Asias Initiative, the Department of American Studies, the Center for Social Science Scholarship, and the Department of Political Science.
IoP sponsored events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.