Just days after the Diwali celebrations, an Indian Temple in Texas is doubling up as a polling booth for the US elections on November 5.
BAPS Hindu Temple in Stafford will continue to be the polling site this year, after serving the same role in the 2016 and 2020 elections. It gives the Indian-Americans a safe space to vote and recognizes the importance of the community in the US democracy.
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With a population of 150,000 in Houston alone, the Indian diaspora is a major deciding factor for where the scales would tip in the election. There are plans to bring a Gujarati translator to the premises, making it easier for the growing population from the north-western state.
BAPS hasn’t endorsed any particular candidate and instead focussed on encouraging the community to come out and vote. Whether it is Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, or Usha Vance, wife of the Republican VP pick JD Vance, both the major parties have Indian connections.
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A volunteer at the temple highlighted the change in the mindset of Indian-Americans. Earlier, people used to think, “I’m Indian, my voice doesn’t matter,” but as time has passed, members of the community have started voicing out their opinions more openly.
As the Indian-American community grows in numbers and influence, we’re likely to see more initiatives aimed towards them. Especially acknowledging their contributions to the US economy and democracy.
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