For so many of us, voting this year was an act of justice and hope.
The 2026 midterm elections were marked by high turnout, rising anti-Muslim hate, a clear shift in public opinion on endless wars, and historic firsts for our communities. Despite disturbing attacks on Muslim candidates’ faith and families, American Muslims will serve in the Illinois Senate and the U.S. Senate for the first time.
Nabeela Syed won a seat in the Illinois Senate. Abdul El-Sayed will become the first Muslim U.S. Senator. We, the people, are determining what comes next for our democracy. Across the country, voters also sent a clear mandate to end endless wars and invest in communities instead.
In Illinois, 8 communities voted in favor of advisory ballot measures supporting free speech and Palestine, sending a clear signal to legislators on the repeal of the state’s anti-BDS law. While these measures are non-binding, they show elected officials where their constituents stand and demonstrate the power of organized community voice.
American Muslims are more civically engaged than ever, even as Islamophobia rises. ISPU data shows Muslim voter registration has climbed to 85 percent — now on par with the general public — while Muslims are more likely than any other faith group to attend town halls and twice as likely to volunteer for campaigns. At the same time, Muslims report obstacles to voting at more than triple the rate of the public and experience religious discrimination at the highest rate of any group. The tropes used against our communities are false. Stronger religious identity correlates with stronger American identity. Despite manufactured hatred and heavy corporate spending, from Congress down to school boards, in the most expensive midterms on record, organized people delivered powerful wins. That is what democracy needs. Americans want lawmakers who end wars and invest in stability at home.
This season, the Muslim Civic Coalition empowered our community through:
10 civic education workshops across the state training XX organizers and volunteers
50 Jummah voter registration drives and community events
Our nonpartisan Voter Hub accessed 15,400+ times
4,400+ nonpartisan voter education postcards distributed
2,200+ community members engaged in nonpartisan voter education
Our work does not end with Election Day. Municipal elections are already on the horizon, and the organizing continues year-round. Communities that have been disenfranchised require trusted messengers to reach them, inform them, and turn them out. That is the critical work we do — building relationships, sharing accurate information, and making sure every eligible voter can participate.
We work year-round to make sure Illinois Muslims and our neighbors have a say in the decisions that shape our lives. Courage and moral clarity matter more now than ever. Our communities showed up, refused to be silenced, and rejected intimidation.
We, the people, have the power. As we build toward the 2027 municipal elections, join our upcoming workshops and find nonpartisan voting resources at the Voter Hub.