For decades, U.S. elected officials have neglected the issues that impact Muslim communities. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, Muslims have faced relentless surveillance, fearmongering, and harmful stereotypes. Recently, the events of October 7, 2023, triggered another wave of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiment across the nation. This continuous targeting has led many American Muslims to disengage from politics, leaving our voices unheard and our issues unaddressed.
For too long, American politics have sidelined the Muslim voice. We cannot afford to remain passive. For American Muslims, voting is one of the most powerful tools we have to combat oppression and make our voices heard.
The Quran calls on us to pursue justice. As mentioned in Surah Nisa, verse 135: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice…” Voting is a vital way to stand for justice within the U.S. political system. By casting our ballots in every election, we ensure that our community’s voice is heard, our values are represented, and our needs are addressed.
Choosing not to vote is surrendering our power. When we don’t vote, we allow harmful leaders to be elected and destructive policies—like military support for oppressive regimes—to continue unchecked. Far-right groups, including Zionists and white nationalists, are actively voting, and their influence grows when we remain silent. Voting is a moral duty that challenges and disrupts this harmful status quo.
Elected officials have failed the Muslim community on critical issues—from refusing to halt U.S. military aid to Israel or demand a ceasefire in Palestine to countering rising anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate. Who represents us in government directly affects our rights and our future.
Your vote matters. Don’t waste it.
Eligible voters must be:
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To register to vote by mail or in person in California, you can obtain forms at:
You can also call 800-345-8683 or your county elections office to request a mailed form.
In California, voters have multiple convenient options to participate.
Voters with disabilities can visit the Voters with Disabilities | Secretary of State page for additional information.
Automatic Ballot Mailing
For each general election, every active registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot by mail. Registered voters can also go to their county elections office in person to request and receive a vote-by-mail ballot.
Returning Your Ballot
You have two options for returning your vote-by-mail ballot:
Note: Anyone can return your ballot in person on your behalf if they are not paid on a per-ballot basis. To ensure your ballot is counted, you must complete the authorization section on the outside of the ballot envelope.
Each Vote-by-Mail ballot is checked thoroughly to ensure the voter did not vote anywhere else and that the signature on the envelope matches the voter registration record.
Vote Early In-Person
County elections officials provide early voting at their offices, and many counties also have additional early voting locations available before Election Day. To find an early voting location near you, visit CAEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov or contact your county elections office. To find your county contact information, visit County Elections Offices | California Secretary of State
Vote on Election Day
Polls are open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To find your polling place, call (800) 345-8683 or visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.
Click here for more information on taking time off from work to vote.
California law allows workers to take time off with pay to cast their ballot on Election Day if they do not have sufficient time outside of their normal working hours. The polls are open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Nov 5. If you are scheduled to work during that entire time, your employer must allow you to use up to 2 hours of PTO at the beginning or end of your shift, so that you can vote.
Click here for more information on taking time off from work to vote.
Under federal law, voters with disabilities and voters who have difficulty reading or writing English have the right to receive in-person help at the polls from the person of their choice.
You have the right to bring up to two people you choose to assist you in casting your ballot. The individuals assisting the voter may not be the voter’s employer, an agent of their employer, or a union representative.
Additionally, Election officials, including poll workers, must make reasonable accommodations as needed to help you vote. Election officials must provide you with help if it’s possible for them to do so.
Voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, even if they aren’t in the poll book. Your ballot will be counted after election officials have confirmed you are qualified to vote and registered.
If the poll worker says your name is not on the list of registered voters:
BallotTrax is a secure, online tool that allows California voters to track their mail-in ballots from the moment they are sent out by the election office until they are counted. The system provides real-time updates on the status of your ballot and ensures you stay informed throughout the voting process.
With BallotTrax, you can:
BallotTrax makes voting by mail transparent and helps you feel confident that your vote is being properly processed.
