Political Engagement & Voting

Forty-five percent of Americans would not want a Muslim president, according to a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center in August 2007. That compares to 25 percent who said they would be less likely to vote for a Mormon candidate and 11 percent who would be less likely to vote for a Jew.

t seems America is putting forth its jewels of diversity. More Americans are voting and the concerns for our nation and the world are high. Choosing the right candidate to run the most powerful nation on the planet, three issues are of critical importance for our community.

This weekend, in the interest of America and the future of this great country, I ask you to dedicate these two precious days, just 48 hours, to encourage your circle of control, that is your family, friends and community, to vote in Tuesday's elections. Here are a few easy things you can do that can make a difference.

When a few days before election 2004 a BBC reporter asked me about the possibility of election fraud, I felt deeply offended and start defending America. I told him these were not elections being held in a Third World country. This was America. Now I am beginning to feel my defense was based more on nationalistic reaction than the truth.

Although Muslims in Canada are still virtually non-existent in local branches of the Canadian government unlike other religious communities like Sikhs, their participation in election 2004 is promising. 

A short reading list on American politics, minorities and Muslim-Jewish relations by Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad.

While the incredibly close and drawn out race is how most Americans will probably remember election 2000, Muslims in the US are more likely to recall this race with a sense of hope, triumph and a determination to do better next time.