Phil Matier: Many Asian American Voters Undecided

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – New research indicates that nearly a third of likely Asian American voters have yet to decide who they're voting for in this year's presidential election, a significantly higher total than the general population.

The National Asian American Survey found that this comes as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. The survey found that between 2000 and 2010, the Asian American population grew faster than any other racial group, at a rate of 46 percent.

KCBS, CBS 5 and SF Chronicle Insider Phil Matier:

This includes 600,000 new Asian American voters entering the electorate in 2008 and similar numbers expected this year. The political influence of Asian Americans is also growing, in states such as California and New Jersey and several metropolitan areas across the country as well.

But they are also showing growth in new destination states like North Carolina, Nevada and Virginia. The survey found that as of 2010, AAPI residents exceeded the 5 percent threshold in roughly one of four Congressional Districts in nearly 600 cities.

Some other findings from the survey: among Asian American citizens, 45 percent can be described as likely voters. 43 percent said they support Barack Obama and 24 percent support Mitt Romney.

One in six Asian Americans also live in one of the key battleground states in the 2012 election.

You can hear Phil Matier's comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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