Vote Your Life Depends on It: Muslim Civic Coalition and Allies United Call Illinoisans to the Ballot
Chicago, IL (October 13, 2026) — As a member of the Allies United steering committee, the Muslim Civic Coalition joined leaders from this intersectional, multiracial, multi-faith coalition of Illinois organizations at Instituto del Progreso Latino three weeks before the November 3 general election. Founded to protect civil rights and build cross-community power in service of our communities’ safety, dignity, and rights, Allies United convened the press conference and panel to urge Illinois residents to register, make a plan, and vote—because their lives depend on it.
Speakers addressed what is at stake for the communities they serve, why turnout in these communities shapes outcomes statewide, and how organizations are working together to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot. They also called for steps to protect against voter suppression rooted in fears of a federal presence at polling places.
Speakers included:
Karina Ayala-Bermejo, President & CEO, Instituto del Progreso Latino, and Illinois Latino Agenda member
Annie Reyes, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Chinese American Service League
Catalina Galvan, Cofounder and Board Secretary, National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities
Dulce Ortiz, Executive Director, Mano a Mano, and Chair, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
The Panel: Facts, Rights, and a Plan
Following the press conference, Amina Barhumi facilitated a nonpartisan panel with Dulce Ortiz, Executive Director, Mano a Mano, and Chair, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Dra. Leonor Vanik, from the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities), and Christian Harris, State Director, Common Cause Illinois. The conversation covered how communities are getting voters to the polls, the practical ways to cast a ballot, and what to do if something gets in the way.
“Early voting is open now, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. You can still register and vote in the same visit—right through Election Day,” Barhumi said. “Families are asking about federal monitors, immigration agents near the polls, and whether their mail ballot will count. We are answering those questions with facts, with phone numbers, and with a plan. No one should stay home because of fear. We have to exercise our voice to protect it.”
Panelists emphasized that access is not optional. Voters who need language assistance, curbside voting, an accessible mail ballot, or help from a person of their choice must be able to cast a ballot that counts. In a moment of heightened ICE activity and federal targeting of immigrants and naturalized citizens, these protections matter more than ever. Our communities’ voices are just as important as everyone else’s. When we vote, we strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation. We have to exercise our voice to protect it.
The moment also marked three years since the murder of six-year-old Wadee AlFayoumi in Plainfield. “Our communities answered with organizing,” Barhumi said. “Now we answer with our vote—to build a safer environment for our children, and because our voice at the ballot is critical.”
Panelists discussed trusted messengers, reaching voters with disabilities, caregivers, and those needing language access, and the three ways to vote: by mail, early in person, or on Election Day. They walked through registration rules, mail-ballot deadlines, and the help every voter is entitled to at the polls. On challenges, the consistent message was clear: stay, ask, and call before you leave. Voters can reach 866-OUR-VOTE for any election problem.
Nonpartisan resources shared:
This was a nonpartisan conversation. Our health care, schools, safety, and livelihoods are decided by who shows up. We cannot protect our rights if we do not exercise them. Vote. Your life depends on it.
Early voting continues. Make a plan, bring your people, and call if anything gets in your way. Visit alliesunited.org and the Voter Hub for locations, dates, and resources.
