Arab Americans and Muslims Mobilized to Vote More Than Ever Before

posted on: Nov 2, 2016

BY: Kristina Perry/Contributing Writer

In less than a week, the new president of the United States will be elected. This presidential race has already increased early voter turnout in epic proportions, especially in battleground states, such as Florida. There has also been a marked uptick in efforts to mobilize millennial and minority voters, culminating in voter registration campaigns and extreme efforts from both candidates to portray themselves as relatable to minority groups. The Arab American vote has been especially desirable to both parties, leading to mobilization efforts in support of both major party candidates.

In Michigan, there have been several house parties organized to register voters and rally the Arab Americans to vote – not just for the presidential race, but to become more involved in the political process overall. These house parties have been primarily organized by the Muslim community in response to the hateful and xenophobic rhetoric of Republican nominee, Donald Trump.

As the election draws closer, Trump has refined his initial promise to ban all Muslims to “extreme vetting” of all hopeful refugees, as well as increased monitoring of the existing American Muslim population. The Republican candidate has repeatedly stated that the Muslim, or Arab, community does not “report things that are happening,” in support for his call for “tolerance tests” that his own supporters often fail. Not only does Trump wrongfully assume that Muslim means Arab and vice versa, but these tests he promotes are unconstitutional.

Despite Trump’s concerning policy promises, there have been equal campaigning efforts for Donald Trump amongst Arab American communities.

There is a Facebook group called “Muslims for Trump,” as well as an Arab Christian group that campaigns for Trump primarily in Washington, D.C. The majority of these groups see Hillary Clinton as having a poor record within the Arab world, and sees Trump as a better option, especially in regards to business.

Many Muslim and Arab supporters of Donald Trump own businesses themselves, and view his business success as an indicator of natural leadership and savvy-ness, which they feel the United States is currently lacking. Commentators on the Facebook page, when discussing Trump’s alleged racism, do not have a problem with the “extreme vetting,” so long as it is applied to all refugees. And some Arab Christians agree with Trump’s assessment that it is Arab Muslims who are the base problem for discrimination they face in connection with their Arab identities.

Outside of home meetings and active social media campaigning, there has been a renewed interest in the viability of email mobilization efforts, primarily for Hillary Clinton, but overall aimed at increasing voter turnout. Several mailers promote early voting, detailing the process of applying and filling out an absentee ballot, as well as providing information about the location and times of early voting stations. These mailers have supplied a consistent reminder about the importance of voting, as well as removing the dread many citizens feel in connection with the long process of casting a vote. By providing information regarding the ease and availability of absentee and early voting, sectors of society most at risk of skipping the election (due to work commitments, or simply not wishing to stand in a line for upwards of two or three hours), have participated in the electoral process in unprecedented rates.

This election will be decided largely in part by groups that have previously not seen this level of inclusion, whether positive or negative, in the election process. More Arab Americans than ever have been part of the election by acting as surrogates or working on campaigns, such as Zaineb Hussein who is the Deputy Political Director for Hillary in Michigan.

The Arab American community has campaigned in record numbers for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and their support has the potential to tip the scales one way or another. Prominent Arab Americans, such as former Arab Ambassador Edward Gabriel, who is leading Clinton’s Arab American ethnic outreach efforts, have been responsible for motivating and mobilizing thousands of voters previously apathetic to the political process.

Every candidate seeks to appeal to Americans regardless of ethnic, religious, or economic identity, but this election cycle has polarized the American public. Regardless of which candidate Arab Americans support, they will be present at polling stations in record numbers. And come November 9th, it is possible that the candidate with the largest support from the Arab American population will be the winner.