Loading ...This Is Why It's Important for Arab Americans to Vote
By: Nadia Reese/Arab America Contributing Writer
The The United States of America casts election polls every year, from voting in the primary elections for state and local officials to voting every four years for a Presidential candidate. Some people may not understand the impact that voting has on society or how much a U.S. leader has an impact on the world. While who you vote for is personal, it is important to note that voting is crucial for the future of your community.
According to the Arab American Institute, an estimated “88.5% of Arab Americans have or will vote in the United States.”
Here’s a breakdown of why Arab Americans must continue to vote in American elections:
Arab Americans Need to Know Their Allies on Capitol Hill
Who you vote for is important. If you believe that the local or national government doesn’t care about education, people of lower-income, crime in your community, or discrimination, then it is very important to research candidates running in your district, as well as for the POTUS and vote.
“The Middle Eastern/North African/Muslim communities continue to be sidelined by the “political powers,” says Vivian Khalaf from Saawtu America. Once we understand that fact, we have to recognize that Arab Americans are discriminated against frequently. One of the reasons for this continued disparate treatment towards our community stems from the aftermath of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. Non Arab Americans were quick to point at Arab and Muslim Americans (many times not knowing the distinction between the two groups) as terrorists. Profiling during this time became common – and it was during this time that the Patriot Act was born, drafted and supported by elected officials on Capitol Hill. Understanding the implications of who wins can dictate who you vote for. Ask yourself, will this candidate speak on my behalf when I need them the most? Will they be an ally to the Arab American community?
Representation Is Needed for Positive Change
Actively voting provides representation, not only for yourself, but for your entire community. Who you vote for shows what you care about. It also marks the demographics of the American population. Only those who vote are voicing their opinions on the issues that matter to them.
Historically, minorities have experienced discrimination when it comes to voting. Voter suppression continues today as the majority tries to suppress the voices of the few. Unfortunately, this suppression kept people who needed representation to be invisible in the system. Today, the younger generation understands the sacrifices the generation before made. We understand how important our vote is for our community. We understand that representation is needed for positive change.
What Can You Do to Get Involved?
You can find voting polls on your college campus, local library and even your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Before showing up to the voting polls, be sure to research your candidate so you know who you are endorsing to get into office. Stay on top of the news to know what each candidate is doing. It’s your responsibility. It’s also important to find out which poll you are designated to go to in order to vote.
You can apply for early voting or mail in your ballot if you requested that in advance.
What if you’re not old enough to vote? No worries! You can still do this to stay involved. Volunteering, socializing with others, posting and voicing your opinions are great ways to be active in the process. Another way you can stay involved during the process is to actively engage in issue-based conversations with members of your community. Socializing can be a way to add more knowledge of what is going on in the world around you. Advocating and speaking about your concerns for your community can encourage others around you to vote as well.
Lastly, you can drive your older neighbors to the voting polls, find out the polling stations they are assigned to for them if they don’t know how to find it themselves, or encourage them to go. Whatever you choose to do, stay engaged in the process.
How Can You Vote?
For more information about the 2020 election, or if you are not signed up to vote, you can register at Saawtu.org. Here, you can learn about how to get involved with your community. Saawtu gives you information on why it is important to vote so that you are ready to do your part in November 2020!
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