NY: Muslim Voters Will Help Shape Political Future
Posted 7/21/2008 4:59:00 PM







Related Information




Source: Staten Island Advance


Author: Stephanie Slepian



In November, the lines at voting booths on Staten Island will have a new look, with record numbers of Muslims and other newly registered residents from diverse ethnic groups casting ballots in some of the most crucial local and national races in decades.

In fact, the borough leads the city with a reported 43 percent increase in the number of registered Muslims in the North Shore and across the Island.

Kiran Syed is one of them.

Her parents were penniless when they came to the United States from Pakistan before their children were born. But they saved enough to open two grocery stores as a way to give Kiran and her younger sister the best of everything. But the country is a different place now than it was when her parents came to Huguenot.

"The economy is going down, the gas prices are going up," said Kiran who checked the Democrat box not long after her 18th birthday in November.

"Everything is falling apart. And the war we're fighting is completely unnecessary. Thousands of troops have died. Thousands of innocent Muslims have died."

In November, Kiran will do something about it: Vote for change.

"I want my voice to be heard," said the Seton Hall University sophomore.

That sentiment is part of what will propel the borough's ethnic voters to the polls this fall to participate in a historic presidential election and a congressional race that is already shaking the foundation of the local electorate.

Voter registration among Muslims increased by 43 percent from 2004 to 2007 in the North Shore's 49th Council district, the greatest change in any district across the city, according to an analysis by the Center for Urban Research at the City University of New York Graduate Center. (MORE)

It's time for a Muslim NY city council member.

Many ethnic candidates do not mobilise their people to register to vote. You cannot vote if not registered.

quote:

Originally posted by Chief:
It's time for a Muslim NY city council member.

When I lived in NY in the eighties there were much division in the Muslim communities. Example the Egyptians, Iranians, Syrians, ecetera. Are there still divisions?

They all have to come together and decide on a consensus candidate and then contest the race.

Until a legally designated schedule for the representation of elected offices based on ethnicity, the current system of "the-person-with-the-most-votes" would win.

quote:

Originally posted by Demerara_Guy:
Until a legally designated schedule for the representation of elected offices based on ethnicity, the current system of "the-person-with-the-most-votes" would win.

Demerara are you Muslim? The topic of this thread highlites the possibility of a Muslim candidate. There could be one IF all Muslims of voting age register to vote and select one candidate of Muslim heritage irrespective of national heritage.

Regarding "muslim votes" it was reported that:

-- in 2000, about 70% or more voted for the republican presidential candidate.

-- 1n 2004, less that 30% voted for the republican presidential candidate.

-- Islam is the fastest growing religion in the USA and by around 2012/2015, it could be ranked as the second largest religious group.

quote:

Originally posted by sugarworker:

The topic of this thread highlites the possibility of a Muslim candidate. There could be one IF all Muslims of voting age register to vote and select one candidate of Muslim heritage irrespective of national heritage.

That indeed is a possibility, but it is unlikely that they would vote as a bloc.

quote:

Originally posted by sugarworker:

Demerara are you Muslim?

Yes, SugarWorker.

quote:

Originally posted by Demerara_Guy:

quote:

Originally posted by sugarworker:

Demerara are you Muslim?

Yes, SugarWorker.

Why is there so much disunity amd mistrust amongst the brothers? especially in NY where if united they can elect a candidate who will look out for their interest.

quote:

Originally posted by sugarworker:

Why is there so much disunity amd mistrust amongst the brothers? especially in NY where if united they can elect a candidate who will look out for their interest.

It seems to happen all over, from what I have gathered from reading about other places, my experiences plus general discussions.

While there is general commonality regarding gathering for prayers, Eid celebrations, marriages, and similar community functions, political and other beliefs make the difference on a genearl aproach to unity in that area.

Also, a major factor, specific to where I live and I gathered that it is similar to other places -- eg.,

-- many of the "Elders" of the committies that perform the function of the Imam are appointed from the Middle East. They believe that they "speak for" and can instruct the general muslim community to elect a certain politicial and/or provide allegiances to a candidate, political partr; etc. They fail to realise that their function is of a religious nature.

That was proven time and again, and one of the latest example was what happened in the past general election here when a certain radical and controversial leader of a "Committee" pledges alliagances/affiliations to a political figure and stated that he is instructing ALL muslims to vote for that Candidate.

Well ... to make a long story short -- when the media sought the views of community members ... a few of us pointed out clearly ... that individual speakes ONLY for himself.

The "Committee" he heads has no impact nor signifance on how muslims vote and for which Candidate.

quote:

Originally posted by Demerara_Guy:
-- Islam is the fastest growing religion in the USA and by around 2012/2015, it could be ranked as the second largest religious group.

In American prisons Muslim set out the best trap. These type are the top converter. truth me tell you.