September 3, 2008

The Muslim Public Affairs Council today released "Activate 08 Voter's Guide: A Guide to the Candidates and the Issues," a special report created to promote greater awareness and participation among Muslim American voters.

The "Activate 08 Voter Guide" examines six key issues in the election and provides Muslim Americans with the presidential candidates' position in their own words. The issues include national security and civil rights, healthcare, the economy, the Iraq war, immigration, and U.S.-Muslim World relations. The guide also provides campaign officials with key information on engaging Muslim voters.

"As Muslim Americans, it is important that we support candidates who share our political views and more importantly, will protect the interests of all people," said MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati. "It is the responsibility of every Muslim American voter to register, educate themselves and mobilize their local communities to get involved in this crucial election."

During this crucial election season, MPAC will hold a series of Election Forums in a dozen cities around the country, including Sterling (VA), New York City, Los Angeles, and Dayton (OH). To find out more about these forums or learn how you can schedule a forum in your city or to order printed copies of the "Activate 08 Voter Guide", please email elections@mpac.org or call (213) 383-3443.

MPAC continues to call upon the presidential candidates to publicly engage with Muslim American voters, and offers information to Muslim voters without any endorsements.

"ROCK THE MUSLIM VOTE" - Community Election Forums

• 9/20 -- New York City, NY
  The Kimmel Center at NYU
• 10/12 -- Boston, MA
  Islamic Center of Boston at Wayland
• 10/11 -- San Diego, CA
  Islamic Center of San Diego
• 10/11 -- Manassas, VA
  Muslim Association of Virginia
• 10/17 -- Hawthorne, CA
  Islamic Center of Hawthorne
• 10/18 -- Reseda, CA
  Islamic Center of Reseda
• 10/24 -- Dayton, OH
  Dayton Mercy Society
• 10/25 -- Columbus, OH
  Noor Islamic Cultural Center
• 11/1 -- Sterling, VA
  All Dulles Area Muslim Society