Vote to protect our future: We endorse Abdul El-Sayed, Rashida Tlaib and Abraham Aiyash

When we fail to vote, decisions that shape our schools, our economy, our healthcare and our community’s future are made without the full weight of our voices.

This year’s election is especially critical. The August 4 primary is being watched across the nation because it will help determine the direction of the United States Senate and set the tone for politics in the nation. Michigan’s open Senate seat is one of the most closely contested races in the country. The choices we make here will echo far beyond our limits of our cities.

The Yemeni American News endorses Dr. Abdul El-Sayed for the United States Senate, Rashida Tlaib for US House District 12 and Abraham Aiyash for the Michigan State Senate in District 1. 

All three candidates understand the daily realities facing working families in our communities, and they present a new kind of politics that centers the needs of people, not donors and corporations.

Their elections would strengthen the voice of our community in Lansing and in Washington.

A strong showing from our communities can send a clear message: We will not be sidelined. Low participation hands power to those who do not share our priorities.

High participation forces every candidate and every party to take our concerns seriously. Fortunately, voting has never been more accessible. Early voting is underway right now.

Registered voters in Dearborn can cast their ballots in person from July 25 through August 2 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Absentee ballots are also available—request one online at michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the City Clerk’s office. You can return your completed absentee ballot by mail, at a drop box, or in person.

You do not have to wait until Election Day. Lines can be long, schedules can conflict and life events can interfere with your vote.

Early voting removes those barriers. Take your family. Call your cousins. Speak to your friends. Bring a neighbor. Make voting a community act.

Our parents and grandparents came to this country seeking opportunity and dignity. They worked hard, built businesses, raised families, and claimed their place in American life.

The most direct way we honor that legacy is by exercising the right they helped secure for us: the right to vote. Millions across the world – including many in our part of the world in the Middle East – do not have the privilege of choosing their own leaders. We do. Let us not give away that right.

Vote like your life and livelihood depends on it – because it does.

This election will shape the Senate. It will shape Michigan. And it will shape the future of our children. The choice is simple. Show up. Vote early. Make your voice count.

The Yemeni American News urges every registered voter to participate.

Our community’s strength has always come from standing together. Let us stand together at the ballot box