Nothing is more important to ensuring full representation of the Arab American/MENA community than making sure every citizen is registered to vote – and is casting their ballot.
NNAAC has commenced its 2024 election initiatives, both in Michigan and nationwide through NNAAC members. These efforts include providing resources and training on utilizing VAN, combating misinformation and disinformation, collecting pledge cards, and conducting voter outreach at local events. Additionally, NNAAC created the #ArabAmericansVOTE Toolkit, which includes social media graphics, videos, tweets, and templates to help members engage with their communities and encourage civic participation during 2024 and beyond. The entire toolkit has been translated into Arabic to ensure language access and inclusivity for all community members.
NNAAC members are working hard to protect and defend the right to vote. One of the ways that we’re doing this is by participating in state nonpartisan rapid response programs, which are designed to address misinformation and voter suppression whenever and wherever it occurs. Nonpartisan election challengers and monitors are a crucial part of this program.
In 2023, 14 NNAAC members across seven states: California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Texas, conducted focus groups to better understand voting behavior in the Arab American community.
The purpose of the focus groups is to better understand voting behavior in the Arab American community including the motivations for voting as well as any barriers or frustrations. The findings are to help guide the voter engagement work being conducted at NNAAC organizations and more broadly voter engagement work in Arab American communities.
