(San Diego, California, 10/29/14) – Last Saturday, the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego), in cooperation with the MAS PACE San Diego and the Islamic Center of San Diego, held a very successful Voter Education Forum (Candidates’ Forum) to help the public hear from candidates running for office in the 2014 election. The event was very well attended, appreciated by the community, and covered by media.
WATCH: CAIR-San Diego Co-Hosts Candidates' Forum at Mosque
The forum focused on the tight and heated 52nd Congressional District race between the incumbent Congressman Scott Peters (D) and Republican Challenger Carl DeMaio. The goal of the forum was to empower voters by providing them direct access to candidates and information on the issues that matter to the community.
First-term incumbent Congressman Scott Peters (D-52nd District) and his Republican challenger Carl DeMaio are both spoke passionately to the community seeking their votes. Also invited to the forum were Carol Kim and Chris Cate. Both are candidates to represent District 6 of the San Diego City Council. Carol Kim spoke to the audience and answered their questions, and Chris Cate representative was also present.
The Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego, Abdul Jalil Mezguri, started the event by speaking about the importance of political participation. The event was moderated by CAIR-San Diego Executive Committee Vice President Noha Salem and Tareq Purmul a member of MAS PACE San Diego chapter.
“Such events are important to help California Muslims to exercise our rights as citizens to participate in the democratic process,” said the CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Hanif Mohebi. “Voting is a great responsibility, so we must try our best to be informed on the issues and to vote on November 4.”
CAIR-San Diego is also promoting the CAIR-CA Voting Guides, which is a compilation of resources to help community members vote in the 2014 mid-term elections on November 4. The booklet consists of three main resources: Congressional scorecard, California State Legislative scorecard (state scorecard), and Statewide proposition guide.