Muslim Civic Coalition Registers and Educates Voters on National Muslim Voter Registration Day

Illinois — September 22, 2026 — This past Friday, September 18, Muslim civic organizations, masajid, and community partners across the country came together for a single day of voter registration. National Muslim Voter Registration Day, led by MPower Change, is part of the #MyMuslimVote campaign, a national nonpartisan effort to increase civic engagement in U.S. Muslim communities through voter registration, education, and mobilization. Since its launch in 2018, the day has helped register thousands of voters. This year, more than 100 sites across 18 states took part.

The Muslim Civic Coalition was proud to be one of them, joining this nationwide effort to empower and educate our communities.

Five masajid, one day, thousands reached

Across Illinois, the Muslim Civic Coalition coordinated with five masajid: Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) Al Hilal – Ogden, Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) An Noor – 248th, Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) – 75th, Muslim Education Center (MEC) in Morton Grove, and Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center (CIMIC) in Champaign.

The Coalition team and masjid volunteers engaged thousands of Jummah congregants, with voter information and announcements shared straight from the pulpit. Together, the team registered 25+ new voters, checked the registration status of 30+ voters, and distributed more than 1,000 voter education cards. Just as valuable were the one-on-one conversations with community members about what is at stake in the upcoming midterm election and why Muslims need a strong voice at the ballot box.

This work was made possible by the coordination and partnership of ICN, MEC, CIMIC, CUMAC, and the dedicated volunteers and community members on the ground.

Carrying the work through the weekend

On Saturday, the Muslim Civic Coalition team continued engaging the community at Mecca Center’s Annual Mecca Moves and the CAIR Chicago Annual Gala. Staff and fellows hosted an informational table, registered new voters, shared election resources, and talked with attendees about the power of civic engagement.

A growing force at the ballot box

Muslim American voters are increasingly recognized as a decisive factor this election cycle. More than 2.5 million Muslim Americans are registered to vote in states with consequential federal, state, and local races. Registration has been steadily increasing since 2016, according to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), and more Muslim Americans are running for office nationwide than ever before.

Here in Illinois, more than 400,000 Muslim Americans call our state home, and our communities have a meaningful stake in the democratic process. We have seen that stake in action: high engagement from Illinois Muslim civic organizations and faith leaders during this spring's primary, and a growing number of Muslim candidates and elected officials. When we show up, we make a difference.

What we're hearing from our communities

Right now, regardless of political party, one thing is becoming harder to ignore: our democracy is at a critical moment, and the midterm elections will help determine what comes next for our country. Our communities — Muslim, Black, Brown, and immigrant communities — are deeply impacted by decisions made at every level of government.

In conversations at masajid, community events, and across our programs, we continue to hear the same concerns. Our tax dollars are funding genocide, illegal wars, and ICE kidnappings instead of mental health support, basic needs, and real safety solutions. ICE activity is disrupting our cities and taking our neighbors. Corporate money and special interests are drowning out everyday voters. Free speech is under attack, and anti-Muslim hate from politicians is on the rise ahead of the midterms.

These challenges are real, and they are also exactly what is motivating our communities to get informed, register, and vote.

We also know that many community members face barriers to participating. Newly naturalized citizens deserve clear information about their voting rights and how to cast a ballot, often in their primary language. Many families carry a deep, earned distrust of government after decades of post-9/11 surveillance and targeting. And many voters feel frustrated by a political system shaped by money, by efforts to make voting harder, and by candidates who don't reflect their values. That is why voter education sits at the center of our work: meeting people where they are, answering their questions, and making sure every eligible voter knows how to make their voice count.

If we don't exercise our rights, we can't protect our rights

The Muslim Civic Coalition is a nonpartisan community advocacy organization that fights for civic justice. From the statehouse to City Hall to the ballot box, we ensure Illinois Muslims and our neighbors have a voice in the decisions that shape our lives every day. We don't just participate in democracy. We shape its future.

Our faith calls us to be engaged citizens, to support the oppressed, and to uphold justice. When we educate ourselves, participate in civic life, and cast our ballots, we elect just leaders, protect our communities, and help build the future we deserve. If we don't exercise our rights, we can't protect our rights.

Get ready for November 3

The 2026 midterm election is just weeks away, and early voting starts this week. Make a plan to vote early or on Tuesday, November 3. Check your polling place, early voting locations, registration status, and more at our Voter Hub, with resources available in multiple languages.

Partner with us

If your organization, masjid, or center would like to partner with the Muslim Civic Coalition on sponsorships, civic engagement and voter workshops, or tabling opportunities, please reach out to info@muslimciviccoalition.org