Arab Americans Need to Exercise their Right to Register and Vote
By Yasir Shallal/Arab America Contributing Writer
As an American citizen of Iraqi descent. I am writing to encourage you to vote in the upcoming elections. On November 7th. You will have an opportunity to take part in democracy and exercise your right to vote.
While voting duties are optional in a free democracy, as it is here in the U.S., every election is a test of our Union and our citizenship. Our Union is strengthened when we have maximum participation and is weakened when we do not. By voting, we are making our voices heard. The more of us who vote, the louder our voices become. Good citizenship means that each eligible citizen has the obligation to exercise his or her voting duties.
Our community still does not exercise this important right, with imperative urgency. Democracy in a free society can only be maintained with vigilance and involvement from each of us, ensuring and safeguarding the institutions that govern.
We are suffering under the current administration because the majority did not exercise its obligation to vote. When we do not vote, we make our concerns and needs irrelevant; and therefore, we cannot influence elected officials.
Understanding that change and evolution of ideas can take a long time, for some of us that are first-generation immigrants, our ultimate mission is to form the basis from which the next generation can build. As with all building projects, the foundation has to be solid and stable to allow for future generations to build and thrive.
Please consider registering to vote and exercising this important right by going to your polling station on November 7th. Your children, your friends, and all your community is depending on you to set the proper foundation.
You can register to vote here.