Civic Engagement

Through comprehensive civic engagement, VAYLA encourages our multi-generational community members to not only vote, but to participate in all civic areas by learning the tools necessary to lead and organize for social change. Our goal is to bring awareness and visibility to the AAPI community in the Greater New Orleans Area through digital media, phone-banking and partnering with local community partners to provide in-language civic engagement resources. We explore conversations of identity, racial and ethnic solidarity, and how these issues can be exacerbated and potentially resolved through civic participation and civic education. Our program initiatives are rooted in our commitment to fortifying our AAPI communities through comprehensive civic engagement.

VAYLA’s Annual Voter Guide is Here!

Local Elections & Voter Education

Register to vote in our upcoming elections by visiting sos.la.gov and create your voting plan!

October: Orleans Parish Gubernatorial General Election

October 18, 2023 In person/by mail registration deadline

October 28, 2023 Online registration deadline

November 3-11, 2023 (excluding Sun 11/5 and Friday 11/10 for Veterans Day) 8:30AM–6PM Early voting period

November 14, 2023 by 4:30PM Deadline to request mail-in ballot

November 17, 2023 by 4:30PM Deadline for receipt of mail-in ballots

November 18, 2023 7AM–8PM ELECTION DAY

Amendment Breakdowns

Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT 1 Do you support an amendment to clarify that the timing of gubernatorial action on a bill and his return of a vetoed bill to the legislature is based upon the legislative session in which the bill passed and to authorize the legislature, if it is in session, to reconsider vetoed bills without convening a separate veto session? (Effective January 8, 2024) (Amends Article III, Section 18) Yes: You support amending the rules about when a governor can act on a bill and send back a vetoed bill to the legislature. This amendment suggests that the timing of these actions is tied to the legislative session when the bill initially passed. It also allows the legislature, if it's in session, to reconsider bills that were vetoed without needing to gather for a separate session dedicated to handling those vetoes. No: You do not support these changes and prefer to maintain the current rules regarding the timing of gubernatorial action on bills and the process of dealing with vetoed bills by the legislature.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT 2 Do you support an amendment to remove provisions of the Constitution of Louisiana which created the following inactive special funds within the state treasury: Atchafalaya Basin Conservation Fund, Higher Education Louisiana Partnership Fund, Millennium Leverage Fund, Agricultural and Seafood Products Support Fund, First Use Tax Trust Fund, Louisiana Investment Fund for Enhancement and to provide for the transfer of any remaining monies in such funds to the state general fund? (Repeals Article VII, Sections 4(D)(4)(b), 10.4, 10.10, and 10.12(B) and (C) and Article IX, Sections 9 and 10) Yes: You're in support of removing sections in the Louisiana Constitution that established special funds, some of which have become inactive over time. These funds were initially intended for conservation, education, leveraging, agriculture, and seafood support. Additionally, your support includes transferring any remaining money in these inactive funds to the state's general fund. No: You do not support removing these sections from the Constitution, preferring to maintain the existence of these inactive special funds within the state treasury as established by the mentioned sections.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT 3 Do you support an amendment to authorize the local governing authority of a parish to provide an ad valorem tax exemption for qualified first responders? (Adds Article VII, Section 21(O)) Yes: You support granting the local governing authority of a parish the authorization to offer an ad valorem tax exemption for qualified first responders. No: You do not support granting this authority to local governing bodies, thereby maintaining the existing regulations regarding ad valorem tax exemptions for first responders at the parish level.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT 4 Do you support an amendment authorizing the legislature, after securing a two-thirds vote of each house, to use up to two hundred fifty million dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to alleviate a budget deficit subject to conditions set forth by law and allowing the legislature to modify such conditions for accessing the monies in the fund, subject to two-thirds vote? (Amends Article VII, Section 10.15(E)(1) and (F); Adds Article VII, Section 10.15(G)) Yes: You support amending the Constitution to allow the legislature, upon obtaining a two-thirds vote in each house, to access up to two hundred fifty million dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. This amendment would permit using these funds to address a budget deficit, with specific conditions initially outlined by law. Additionally, it would allow the legislature, with a two-thirds vote, to modify these conditions for accessing the funds in the future. No: You support maintaining the existing restrictions on accessing the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and preventing the legislature from using these funds to address budget deficits or altering the conditions for accessing the funds in the future without the required two-thirds vote.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Delachaise Security and Imp. Dist. – Parcel Fee – CC – 5 Yrs This proposal suggests an annual fee for properties within the Delachaise Security and Improvement District in New Orleans. The fee varies depending on property type, ranging from $350 to $1,000 for residential parcels and $500 for commercial parcels. It will last a maximum of five years, from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2028, and is estimated to generate about $200,000 yearly. The fee aims solely to improve the District's aesthetics, security, and overall quality. There's a provision for a 1% City collection fee. If used for law enforcement or security personnel, they must add to, not replace, the services provided by the New Orleans Police Department. Yes: Supports implementing this fee for five years to fund the beautification, security, and betterment of the Delachaise Security and Improvement District. No: Opposes imposing this fee, thereby rejecting its implementation to generate funds for the specified purposes within the District.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Lake Terrace Crime Prevention District – Parcel Fee – CC – 8 Yrs This proposal aims to charge an annual fee on improved land in the Lake Terrace Crime Prevention District of New Orleans. Fees vary based on property types and could generate around $239,250 each year. The funds are exclusively for crime prevention and enhancing security in the area, with an increased law enforcement presence. It includes a 1% City collection fee and specifies that any funds used for law enforcement must complement, not replace, services provided by the New Orleans Police Department. Yes: Supports implementing this fee for eight years to aid in crime prevention and enhance security within the Lake Terrace Crime Prevention District. No: Opposes imposing this fee, thereby rejecting its implementation to generate funds for crime prevention and enhanced security within the District.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Eastover Neighborhood Imp. and Security District – $2,152 Parcel Fee – CC – In Perp. Yes: Supports imposing this perpetual fee to fund the beautification, security, and overall improvement of the Eastover Neighborhood Improvement and Security District. No: Opposes imposing this fee, rejecting its implementation to generate funds specifically for the outlined purposes within the District.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Mid-City Security District – Parcel Fee – CC – 8 Yrs. This proposal suggests an annual fee on each parcel of land in the Mid-City Security District in New Orleans, varying based on property type and size. The fee ranges from $250 to $4,000 for different types of residential units and commercial parcels. It would last eight years, generating approximately $1,235,219 yearly, exclusively for enhancing security in the District. It includes a 1% City collection fee and specifies that any funds used for law enforcement or security must add to, not replace, services provided by the New Orleans Police Department. Yes: Supports imposing this eight-year fee to fund security enhancements within the Mid-City Security District. No: Opposes imposing this fee, rejecting its implementation to generate funds specifically for security enhancements within the District.
Election Day November 18 7AM-8PM CT ORLEANS PARISH MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VAYLA’S GUIDE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Bouligny Improvement District – 20 Mills – CC – 8 Yrs. This proposal suggests a special tax on taxable properties within the Bouligny Improvement District in New Orleans. The tax, not to exceed twenty mills, would last eight years starting from January 1, 2024, and is estimated to generate around $250,000 annually. The sole purpose of this tax is to promote and encourage security within the District. It includes a 1% City collection fee and specifies that any funds used for law enforcement or security must supplement, not replace, services provided by the New Orleans Police Department. Yes:Supports imposing this eight-year ad valorem tax to fund security enhancements within the Bouligny Improvement District. No: Opposes imposing this tax, rejecting its implementation to generate funds specifically for security enhancements within the District.

Civics Breakdown

Through this series we want to make commonly used but confusing terms more accessible to our community. Exercising our right to vote is just as powerful as educating our communities on what this all means.

Civics Breakdown Ad Valorem Means "according to [the] value [of something].” An ad valorem tax is levied according to the value of the property as determined by an assessment or appraisal. Assessment on a regular basis is a common characteristic of an ad valorem tax. Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/ad_valorem
In other words... In simpler terms, an ad valorem tax is based on the assessed value of a property. This means that the tax amount fluctuates in accordance with the property's estimated worth.
For Example... let's say two houses in the same neighborhood are subject to an ad valorem tax. If one house is larger or has more amenities, its assessed value might be higher, resulting in a higher tax compared to the smaller or less-equipped house, showcasing how the tax directly corresponds to the perceived value of each property.
Why Civic Engagement? Civic engagement promotes social justice and strengthens democracy. Democracy depends upon citizen participation. When people are politically engaged, they hold their elected officials accountable and can influence policy decisions that shape their lives.
Political Voice Political Voice represents the tools people use to express their political or social viewpoints, allowing them to make their voices heard. This category encompasses a range of activities, from writing to elected officials and participating in protests to simply seeking information and forming political opinions.
Some Ways to Engage Protesting Contacting Broadcast Media Contacting Print Media Contacting an Official Canvassing
Protesting Participating in organized demonstrations or rallies to raise awareness about a particular issue, express discontent, or advocate for change. Protests can take various forms, from peaceful marches to sit-ins and more.
Contacting Broadcast Media Sending letters, emails, or making phone calls to news outlets, radio stations, or television networks to voice concerns, share opinions, or request coverage of specific topics. This can help shape media narratives and draw attention to important issues.
Contacting Print Media Similar to contacting broadcast media, reaching out to newspapers and magazines through letters, emails, or calls to express opinions, provide information, or request coverage on specific subjects.
Contacting an Official Directly communicate with elected officials to express your concerns or suggestions. Your elected officials have offices in their districts as well as the capitol. This is to facilitate contact with their constituents. They rely on you to let them know how policies and issues are affecting you and your community, so let them know!
Canvassing Going door-to-door to engage with your community and promote your stance on an issue. You can volunteer for campaigns with local organizations working on the issue areas of interest. This can allow you to help spread awareness and support among the general public.

Other is Not My Identity Petition

VAYLA has launched a petition for inclusion.


The language of “other” is a microcosm of the hierarchical narrative of white supremacy that reigns in our country and leaves communities more susceptible to the dehumanization and violence that disenfranchisement creates.


When it comes to data collection and dissemination, Louisiana does not celebrate or acknowledge our diversity. Data is only broken down into three categories: White, Black, and Other, erasing the countless contributions of non-Black/non-White communities, as well as the needs of each of those communities.

Sign and share the petition at www.change.org/OtherIsNotMyIdentity.
View our full press release.

Campaign for AAPI Data Inclusion #OINMI change.org/OtherIsNotMyIdentity #AAPIRISING OTHER IS NOT MY IDENTITY

Additional Resources

Community Space Interests Survey

Resources

For Program Updates

For program updates or questions, please reach us at contacts@vayla-no.org.

Top
© 2024 VAYLA New Orleans | Site Credits