The Growing Influence of Muslim Voters in the 2024 Presidential Election
Muslims in the United States, numbering approximately 3.5 to 4 million, are poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming presidential election, particularly in seven battleground states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. With about two million Muslims eligible to vote, their impact could be significant in a highly competitive electoral landscape where margins are razor-thin.
Key States and Historical Context
In the 2020 elections, Muslim voters were instrumental in pivotal states. For instance, President Biden's victory in Georgia came by just 11,779 votes, while approximately 70,000 registered Muslim voters were present in the state. Similarly, in Arizona, Biden won by a margin of 10,457 votes with around 60,000 Muslim voters. This year, the stakes are high as candidates from both major parties are actively courting Muslim voters, recognizing their potential to sway outcomes in these critical states.
Mobilization and Poll Insights
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) recently released a poll indicating that 42% of Muslim voters favor Green Party candidate Jill Stein, while 41% support Vice President Kamala Harris, and only 10% back former President Donald Trump. Notably, the poll also revealed a remarkable 95% of Muslim voters intend to participate in the elections, a historic turnout that underscores the community's increasing political engagement. Many Islamic leaders and organizations are urging community members to vote, emphasizing the importance of their participation not only for local issues but also for international concerns, particularly regarding Palestine.
