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.

Local Elections & Voter Education

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

March 29, 2025 – Orleans Parish Municipal Primary Election 

March 15-22, 2025 (excluding Sunday, March 16) from 8:30 AM – 6 PM Early voting period

March 25, 2025 by 4:30 PM Deadline to request mail-in ballot

March 28, 2025 by 4:30 PM Deadline for receipt of mail-in ballot

March 29, 2025 from 7 AM – 8 PM ELECTION DAY

Visit the following links to ensure you are prepared for the upcoming election!
Voter Portal – to confirm your voter status, voting poll location, or other details specific to your voter registration
Request Mail-In/Absentee Ballot
View Your Sample Ballot

VAYLA’s March 2025 Guide to Louisiana’s Proposed Constitutional Amendments

The Municipal Primary Election on Saturday, March 29th will ask voters to decide on four proposals to amend our constitution. Read our full guide here or click the image below to understand what you’re voting on before you cast your ballot!

Civics Breakdown

Key Terms & Definitions

Here are the definitions of common legal or governmental terms/language that may appear on your ballot. Use these terms to create more clarity and promote fully informed and educated decisions!

Legal & Judicial Terms

  • Jurisdiction – The official authority of a court or government body to make legal decisions and judgments.
  • Disciplinary Proceedings – Formal actions taken against professionals (like lawyers) for violating ethical or legal rules.
  • Courts of Limited Jurisdiction – Specialized courts that handle specific types of cases (e.g., family court, traffic court) rather than general legal matters.
  • Felony – A serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
  • Judicial Vacancy – An open judgeship due to retirement, resignation, or removal of a sitting judge.

Tax & Fiscal Policy Terms

  • Homestead Exemption – A reduction in property taxes for homeowners who live in their primary residence.
  • Income Tax Deduction – An amount subtracted from taxable income, lowering the total taxes owed.
  • Government Growth Limit – A restriction on how much a government’s budget can increase each year, often tied to inflation or population growth.
  • Constitutional Funds – Money set aside in the state constitution for specific purposes (e.g., education, infrastructure).

Election & Legislative Terms

  • Amendment – A formal change or addition to a constitution or law.
  • Legislature – The elected body (in Louisiana, the House and Senate) responsible for making state laws.
  • Special Election – An election held outside the regular schedule to fill a vacant position or decide on a specific issue.

Through our Civics Breakdown 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.

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
© 2025 VAYLA New Orleans | Site Credits