By Nihad Awad\ CAIR
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
On behalf of CAIR, I want to commend the hundreds of thousands of American Muslims who turned out to early vote. Turnout numbers for our community look promising, but they need to be much, much higher today. We need all American Muslim voters to show up on Election Day and make our voices heard.
I know that many of you are disillusioned and frustrated due to U.S. support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza. I feel the same way. However, sitting on the sidelines of this election will not help the people of Gaza or anyone else. Elected officials take communities seriously when they fully participate in the political process, including by exercising their right to vote.
No matter who you support, showing up to vote is a display of political strength. Muslim votes matter. That’s why so many of the presidential candidates have made efforts in recent weeks and months to win our community’s support.
Remember that the presidential race is just one of many races on the ballot. No matter who you support for president, make sure you vote in races up and down the ballot, from city councils to school boards to state legislatures to members of Congress.
Today, let’s unlock the political power of American Muslims by voting and encouraging our family, friends, and neighbors to head to the polls. Vote for the sake of yourself, your families, your neighbors, your fellow Americans and people around the world impacted by American policy, including Palestinians facing genocide in Gaza.
Need help with where to go or what to bring? Click here or visit Muslims.vote.
Election Day is today, Nov. 5th. Do not miss the opportunity to make your voice heard. May God reward you, and may God guide our nation to become a beacon of justice here and abroad.
Sincerely,
Nihad Awad
National Executive Director
Council on American-Islamic Relations
P.S. The worst thing that can happen is for American Muslims not to vote in this election at all, or to vote but then disengage after the election.
