CLEVELAND, OH (November 3, 2026) – In advance of the November election, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio) significantly expanded its civic engagement and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts across Northern Ohio to increase Muslim voter participation, promote voter education, and strengthen civic involvement within the community.
Since July, CAIR-Ohio has implemented a comprehensive voter engagement campaign focused on voter registration, education, and mobilization. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and grassroots organizing, the organization worked to ensure that Muslim voters had the resources and information necessary to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
As part of these efforts, CAIR-Ohio’s GOTV Lead Coordinator visited more than 25 community locations and local mosques throughout Northern Ohio, providing voter registration assistance and election information to hundreds of community members. CAIR-Ohio also partnered with The Amanah Project (TAP) during its launch event, where scores of community members registered to vote. The organizations further collaborated on phone banking initiatives aimed at encouraging voter participation and increasing election turnout.
Recognizing that informed voters are empowered voters, CAIR-Ohio partnered with the League of Women Voters of Ohio and CAIR Action Ohio to host a virtual voter education forum. The session provided attendees with important information about ballot issues, voting procedures, and voter rights, equipping community members with the knowledge needed to confidently participate in the electoral process.
In addition to registration and education efforts, CAIR-Ohio supported the community-led initiative, “Vote in Your Thobe!”, which combined civic engagement with cultural pride. The initiative encouraged community members to participate in early voting while proudly wearing thobes, keffiyehs, and other traditional attire. Participants traveled together on a party bus to the polls, creating a visible and celebratory demonstration of civic participation within the Muslim community.
Through these initiatives, CAIR-Ohio sought to remove barriers to participation, increase voter awareness, and foster a culture of civic engagement among Muslim Americans throughout Northeast Ohio. The organization’s voter outreach efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to ensuring that community members are represented in the democratic process and empowered to advocate for issues that matter to them.
Statement from Faten Odeh, Executive Director of CAIR-Ohio:
“The strength of our democracy depends on the participation of every community. This election season, we worked diligently to ensure Muslim voters across Northern Ohio were informed, engaged, and prepared to exercise their right to vote. From voter registration drives and educational programs to community mobilization efforts, we saw firsthand the enthusiasm and commitment of community members who understand that civic engagement is essential to creating meaningful change. We are proud of the partnerships and volunteers who made these efforts possible and remain committed to building lasting civic participation beyond Election Day.”
As part of the efforts to ensure voters are not met with intimidation at the polls, CAIR Ohio has joined coalition partners to monitor poll sites across the region.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACTS:
CAIR-OH Executive Director, Northern Ohio, Faten Husni Odeh (216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com