YOUR VOICE MATTERS THIS NOVEMBER 8

LOS ANGELES – Just in time for all those across the Golden State who will receive their vote by mail ballots this week, the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) today released its extensive list of endorsed candidates running in California’s Statewide General Election set for November 8. These endorsements, based on a broad array of pro-Armenian policy considerations, include:

California State Senate

Scott Wiener (D-11)

Scott Wilk (R-21)

Anthony Portantino (D-25)

Ricardo Lara (D-33)

California State Assembly

Mark Levine (D-10)

Mae Torlakson (D-14)

Catherine Baker (R-16)

Kansen Chu (D-17)

Jim Patterson (R-23)

Joaquin Arambula (D-31)

Raul Bocanegra (D-39)

Chris Holden (D-41)

Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian (D-43)

Matt Dababneh (D-45)

Adrin Nazarian (D-46)

Cheryl Brown (D-47)

Richard Bloom (D-50)

Ian Calderon (D-57)

Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-59)

Anthony Rendon (D-63)

Mike Gipson (D-64)

Los Angeles County Supervisors

Kathryn Barger – District 5

The ANCA-Glendale Chapter had also previously issued its support and endorsement for the local Yes on Measure GC set to benefit Glendale Community College on the November ballot.

“The ANCA-WR is proud to support our strongest advocates in Sacramento and to build new relationships with the most promising candidates in this year’s General Election who will represent our diverse communities throughout the Golden state,” remarked Executive Director Elen Asatryan.  “With the Armenian-American vote positioned to play a decisive role in a number of close races, the ANCA-WR and its local chapters will be active in continuing to register new voters and turning out the community at the ballot box because there is much as stake in this election.  We have the opportunity to shape policy and elect candidates who will properly represent us, and it is the responsibility of every eligible voter to exercise this right and make our unified voice heard,” she added.

During the June 7 Primary Elections, Armenian-Americans cast their ballot in record numbers, achieving their highest turnout rate in history in districts like the 43rd Assembly, 25th Senate and LA Supervisor’s 5th districts.

The voice of these voters will be even more pivotal during the General Election, where ANCA-WR favored candidate, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian, will face off with Laura Friedman.

The 43rd overlaps with CA Senate District 25, where former Assemblymember and strong advocate for the Armenian Community Anthony Portantino, is in the runoff with LA Supervisor Michael Antonovich. In both cases, the Armenian American community represents a significant voting block that can assist in the victory of a friendly candidate in a close race.

The majority of the current endorsements include incumbents who have served as a strong voice for the community. The ANCA-WR will continue to issue endorsements as more candidates are vetted and commit to appropriately representing their constituencies. This endorsement process includes a careful review of each members’ record on issues like Armenian Genocide recognition, implementation of Genocide curriculum, the Republic of Artsakh, and support for various local initiatives. Once they have passed the review process, candidates are interviewed by their local chapter representatives and regional leadership before a decision to endorse is made.

Armenian American voters are widely expected to turnout in record numbers to participate in what will be historic national and statewide elections.  The Armenian American community, long recognized as a highly motivated and engaged electorate, is set to play a game-changing role in a number of key races.  The ANCA-WR encourages all Armenian-Americans take advantage of this historic opportunity, by uniting in support of our friends and ensuring a record level of participation in the elections.

In order to vote, you must be registered.  To register to vote online, request a vote by mail ballot, review sample ballot and find polling location visit www.hyevotes.org or call 818.806.8683.  The last day to register in order to vote on November 8 is October 24, while the last day to request vote-by-mail ballots is November 1^st.   To learn about ANCA-WR endorsed candidates visit www.ancawr.org/2016Elections .  Polls will open from 7AM-8PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is one of the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots organizations in the Western United States and working with their network of local offices and chapters through the region, the ANCA-WR makes sure the concerns of the Armenian American community are well understood and strongly supported.

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