6 Key States and Numerous Local Elections Crucial for American Muslims

Virginia

For Virginia’s Muslims, perhaps the most important Congressional election is that of the 10th District. Incumbent Barbara Comstock (R) is being challenged by LuAnn Bennett (D) in a race that has been getting tighter. It is particularly significant as it covers the growingly blue area of the Northern region in what is regarded as a purple Commonwealth, home to the most affluent two counties in the U.S. — Loudoun and Fairfax.

As a vital battleground for the Presidential race, Virginia’s candidates are bracing themselves for the reactions of voters to the national political scene come November 8th, as party politics resound across the country’s statewide elections. Virginia shows a 13 percent lead for Hillary Clinton according to the Wall Street Journal’s latest poll, no doubt contributing to District 10’s “Likely Republican” stance being changed to “Leaning Republican” (according to The Cook Political Report).

On the ballot this election cycle are two issues Virginians should especially consider: a Labor Union related measure that prevents mandatory union membership for workers and a property tax proposal giving tax exemptions to the spouses of public servants killed in the line of duty. Other more significant and relatively contentious proposed ballot measures that will not been included are: The authorization of non-violent felons to vote in elections; the establishment of a non-partisan commission for congressional and legislative redistricting; and an amendment to allow charter schools within school districts.

With eight of Virginia’s 11 contenders for the US House of Representatives being Republicans, the two approved ballot issues are relatively tepid in terms of partisanship, whereas it is most likely that the omitted ballot issues will be part of a more heated battleground during a predictably Republican dominated U.S. House representation from Virginia. – Sarah Cochran, EmergeUSA

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