
American Muslims have political clout, in swing states in the Presidential election, and in numerous state—and local—level elections. But are we as socially crucial as we are politically? Why should we be engaged and informed voters? What issues do we need to know more about to make an informed decision in November? In a unique partnership between Altmuslim at Patheos, Altmuslimah, Illume and other writers and bloggers will explore these issues and more to promote civic engagement and improve the media coverage and public understanding of American Muslims. Keep checking this page for articles in the run-up to the 2012 Elections.
Tweet your comments and thoughts at #MuslimVOTE
Articles and Posts

Election 2012 - American Muslims Gain Political Empowerment
Aziz Poonawalla
In looking back at our "Election 2012 - American Muslims VOTE!" series and the #MuslimVOTE campaign, how influential was our vote? And, what must we do to gain more political clout in the future?

Social Media and the Minority Vote
Affad Shaikh
What role did social media play in the outcome of the 2012 presidential election? Which party - Democrat or Republican - harnassed the power of social media better?

I Voted, and I'm no Infidel
Nancy Shehata
I voted today. And while I don't take issue with American Muslims who, because they think both pcandidates are bad, refuse to vote - don't chastigate me for voting.

Why Voting Third Party is Wrong
Aziz Poonawalla
Many people will vote third party because they feel Obama and Romney are no good for the job of president. But third party voting is an escapism to a political fantasy.

A Muslim for Obama
Aziz Poonawalla
I'm voting for President Barack Obama, and here's why: He has done his best, and of all the candidates, he is the best for American Muslims to see their aspirations realized.

Altmuslimah - Women's Health Beyond the Pill
Khadija Gurnah
Politicizing women's health in the presidential election has created a toxic environment. It's better for voters to do their own research about women's health issues at a local level.

Illume - Voters Guide to Romney Healthcare
Shifa Mohiuddin
Mitt Romney promises as President to repeal the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as ObamaCare. But what does he propose to do instead?

Illume - Voter's Guide to Obama Healthcare
Khadija Gurnah
What is President B arack Obama's Affordable Healthcare Act all about? What are Obama's other health-related policies? This guide breaks it all down for you.

Video - Hasan Minhaj Says Go Vote!
Hasan Minhaj
There are countries where people can't vote. Our history is filled with people who have fought for this right to vote. This isn't a joke. Go out and vote.

Ten Reasons Why Muslims Should Vote for Obama
Aziz Poonawalla
It's nearly time to cast your vote. If you're undecided or thinking that Romney is the better candidate, here are ten reasons why you should cast your vote for Obama.

Illume - Why Muslims Should Vote for Romney
Dan Zubairi
As Muslims, we must have a president who understands, practices and encourages our strong morals and family values - Mitt Romney is that man.

Vote Based on Policies, Not Faith
Hesham A. Hassaballa
Of course faith is important for our elected officials. But we should choose a candidate based on his/her policies, record, and vision - not what faith he/she practices.

Altmuslimah - Women Running for Congress
Jean Sinzdak and Zainab Chaudary
A record number of women are running for Congress this year, and it is imperative we have more women representatives and senators in the decision making process.

What do Muslims and Mormons have in Common?
Daniel Tutt
How far off is America from electing a Muslim President? With the "browning of America" and perceptions towards "religious outsiders" changing, it may be closer than you think.

Illume - It's the Economy that Matters
Suhail Khan
On Tuesday, what matters most is the economy of the United States. Obama has not done enough, and Romney has a plan that will work.

Muslims Must Look Beyond Themselves and Engage Politically
Imam Khalid Latif
If the Muslim community wants people to stand with us when a hateful person protests the building of our mosques, we need to stand with them at their time of need. We need to politically engage beyond our scope as Muslims.

Illume - Vote for America
Amanda Quraishi
Consider this: When you elect a president you're not only electing a man, you're selecting a vision for America based on one of two major party platforms. So consider the what agenda you want for America

Why I'm Voting Green
Obaid H. Siddiqui
You don't have to vote for "the lesser of two evils." I'm voting for Jill Stein and the Green Party. Here is why you should, too.

From Idealistic to Realistic - Millennial Voters in 2012
Fatima Ashraf
Youth voters were idealistic and in full support of Barack Obama in 2008. In 2012, youth voters have a realistic approach to the presidential election, and they are making their vote count.

The Elders, The Muslim Historian, and Obama
Precious Rasheeda Muhammad
The Elders who came before me spur me to action. They will be in the voting booth with me come November, reminding me that they lived and died by what they believed.

Altmuslimah - Your Most Powerful Currency
Zainab Chaudary
In Pakistan, a young girl was shot for defying the Taliban and fighting for women's education. In America, the female electorate may decide the Presidential election. Your vote is your most powerful change instrument.

Vote, Because Islam Tells You To
Rabia Chaudry
If you think Islam is stopping you from voting, you're wrong. Voting and engaging in our civic duties is very much an Islamic principle. I'm voting for Obama. Who are you voting for?

An American Muslim Meets Paul Ryan
Aziz Poonawalla
Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan was having a photo op at the apple farm I was at. So, I decided to engage with him, despite the the vitriolic stance of his party towards Muslims.

Voting for Obama - Again
Irfan Rydhan
I voted for President Obama in 2008, and I am doing so againin 2012. Many American Muslims have complaints against Obama, but here are 10 reasons why you should vote for him.

Obama and Romney's Foreign Policy Stances
Fawaz Gerges
Where does Obama stand on foreign policy in the Middle East? Why does Romney give support to Israel? How do they feel about the Arab Spring? Here's a breakdown of both candidate's foreign policy stances.

Video - Denied the Vote!
Rizwan Manji, Parvesh Cheena and Jeff Witzke team up in this hilarious video about Muslims being denied their right to vote. (Umm, check your citizenship, please!)

Election 2012 - American Muslims VOTE!
Zeba Iqbal
What issues should American Muslims be concerned about in the 2012 Election? Where do the candidates stand on the Middle East, green issues, Islamophobia and more? Learn more in our new series in the days leading up to the election.

A Muslim for Obama
Aziz Poonawalla
I'm voting for President Barack Obama, and here's why: He has done his best, and of all the candidates, he is the best for American Muslims to see their aspirations realized.

Muslim First, Democrat, Republican, Independent Second
Nancy Shehata
It is our job as a minority religion in the U.S. to vote as Muslims, to poke and prod, look after our rights (because others won't) and never give up trying to teach people that there are more alternatives than Republican or Democrat.

Why We Must Vote
Fatemeh Fakhraie
Politics turn me off. I am over this election already. But as a citizen and as a woman, my vote matters. And not just in the presidential election - in every city, county and state election, our votes matter more than ever.

You Can't Complain if You Don't Vote
Hussein Rashid
"You can't complain about the game if you don't play. Go out and vote. Every election - vote. Speak to your representatives. Be a part of your community. A change is going to come."
The Muslim Vote
Congressmen Keith Ellison (D-MN) of Minnesota and André Carson (D-IN), the nation's two practicing Muslim members of Congress, discuss the significant role Muslim voters may play in the upcoming presidential election.


























