The Process for Arab Americans to Pick a President in 2020
By: Fred Shwaery/Arab America Contributing Writer
In 2020, Arab Americans will pick a President. With the Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada primaries and caucuses behind us, and South Carolina’s primary on Saturday and Super Tuesday less than a week away. we are about eleven months from inaugurating a new president and vice president.
Much has been happening and much will unfold between now and Inauguration Day. Through it all, Arab Americans have been a part of the electoral process and will continue to do so.
In addition to electing a president and vice president, Americans will elect 35 senators and all 435 members of congress. In some states, there will be other officials standing for election.
There are many opportunities for Arab Americans to participate in this important work. Some of us will be candidates, many will be elected officials operating the thousands of election precincts, and many more will be candidate supporters knocking on doors and making phone calls urging their neighbors to vote.
This year offers an important opportunity for college students to get involved in a meaningful way. Many students take a break from the fall semester to be full-time interns on campaigns. It’s a great opportunity to get hands-on learning that can’t be duplicated in a classroom and a presidential election comes only once in a four-year cycle so many students take advantage of the opportunity to join a campaign.
Students won’t be the only ones learning. Arab Americans of all ages will be up close to candidates and their key staff members and they can learn from us. Through our involvement, we will show that we are hard-working, honest, hospitable people. They will hear directly from us about the issues facing Arab Americans from immigration, to small business to foreign policy concerns and more. We will take this opportunity to show them that we are not as the media often portray us.
If you live in or can get to the Democratic Convention in Milwaukee or the Republican convention in Charlotte this summer, you’ll be in for a real treat. You’ll rub elbows with elected officials, candidates, media stars, and more. You’ll recognize someone you’ve seen in the news on every street. The conventions are non-stop fun and non-stop parties!
One thing we should mention is that there are different rules in different states. Yes, we’ll all vote on the same day in November, you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen to register to vote but there are many differences among the states. Rules for registering to vote, for absentee voting, and who will be on your state ballot vary.
The process of electing the president in the US is unique and Arab Americans need to make their votes count – in caucuses, primaries and the general election.
Register to vote at Vote.usa.gov
This government Web site has information for registering to vote in all states. Remember, rules such as registration deadlines, proof of identification and the like vary by state. The best bet is to apply as soon as you can to ensure that you have the opportunity to vote. Remember to update your voter registration if you move.
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