November 4, 2008

As millions of Americans go to the polls today and cast their ballots for the next President, Congress and state level initiatives, we at the Muslim Public Affairs Council encourage all Muslim Americans to make sure their voices are heard in this historic election.

MPAC has worked tirelessly for the past year to inform and mobilize communities around the country. From New York to California, Ohio to Texas, Pennsylvania to Virgina, and many states in between, MPAC has:

• hosted more than 25 "Rock the Muslim Vote" Townhall forums
• organized voter registration drives
• held civic engagement workshops
• hosted debate watching parties
• conducted phone banking parties which have reached thousands of Muslim voters
• canvassed door-to-door to reach Muslim voters in swing states
• distributed its "Activate '08 Voter's Guide on the Presidential Elections"

"In this historic year and this historic election, we are inspired by the momentum of political and civic engagement which has swept the Muslim American community," said MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati. "Today is the day to make sure all of this historic work is translated into votes, and beginning tomorrow we must all maintain this momentum by working with our elected leaders and public officials to ensure that our voices continue to be heard."

A few reminders to help ensure your voting rights:

• FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION. Use Google's "find your polling location" feature by clicking here or call 1-866-OURVOTE.
• BRING YOUR ID. While not required in every state, it's better to be safe than sorry. Bring your driver's license or a copy of your home utility bill to verify your name and address.
• BRING YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT. Having your sample ballot on hand can help make the voting process go more quickly and smoothly. If you have questions about how to vote on your ballot, ask a poll worker or poll monitor for help.
• UNDERSTAND "PROVISIONAL BALLOTS." No voter can be turned away in any state without being allowed to vote. If there is a question about your eligibility, you must be allowed to vote on a provisional ballot, the validity of which will be determined later. But if you are entitled to vote on a regular ballot, you should insist on doing so, since a provisional ballot may be disqualified later on a technicality. If you cast a provisional ballot, contact MPAC to find out how you can petition to ensure that it is counted.
• BE PATIENT. A record turn-out is expected, so be prepared to wait in line. As long as you are in line before the polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Do not let poll workers close the polls until you have voted.
• HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Call nonpartisan hotlines such as 1-866-OURVOTE and 1-866-MYVOTE1.