Last night, America made history.
Virginia elected the first woman as governor and the first Muslim woman to hold a statewide office in the country. Detroit elected its first woman to mayor. New York City elected 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of the most populous city in the country.
Across the country, in the first election since President Donald Trump took office, Americans turned out to vote. Retaining judges in Pennsylvania, electing mayors from Cincinnati to Atlanta, redistricting in California – all crucial local issues that have profound impacts on the communities that shape our country.
What does this election tell us?
Participation is key.
New York City saw record turnout in their highly publicized and closely watched race. With a majority of voters reporting that the cost of living was their crucial concern, people showed up when the stakes felt high. Across the country, non-presidential elections typically see lower voter turnout, but this election seemed like part of a new trend: Americans, seeing the role that local politics plays in their lives, are showing up to vote to improve their present-day conditions and to establish secure futures for the next generation.
The issues matter.
What did the winners share across their various platforms? A deep interest in the daily lives of their fellow Americans. A concern for the rising cost of living and the inaccessibility of basic elements of survival: food, housing, medical care. An effort to weave themselves into the complicated fabric of the American dream and truly get to know the people who would eventually put them in power. Tuesday’s election results indicate that leaders who get to know their communities, who listen to the issues facing everyday Americans, are more likely to win over those who put more emphasis into political grandstanding and empty talking points.
The youth are the future.
Campaigns across the country leaned in heavily to court the votes of America’s youngest voting bloc. Social media, youth-focused connection, and a genuine concern for the needs of Gen Z have all turned out to be winning strategies for victory. With Gen Z’s voter turnout alarmingly low, we must empower young voters to participate in civic life. Candidates and civic leaders alike will have to convince young voters that they have their futures in mind, and our young people are not going to be easily convinced by flashy graphics or social media stunts. They demand intentionality, authenticity, and a deep care for their future – young voters consistently cite environmental justice, an end to global genocide and oppression, and tackling gun violence as their biggest concerns, and a winning candidate must be able to speak to these issues.
From National to Local
Tuesday night’s victories went beyond partisan politics. They were an indication of what happens when Americans participate in civic life, and a reminder of the power of the local vote. The top-ticket races get attention, and flashy, expensive campaigns may dominate the airwaves, but at the end of election night, it’s down to the voters to make decisions that shape history.
Here in Oklahoma, voter turnout is historically and consistently low. Around 50% of registered voters participated in the 2024 presidential cycle; in non-presidential years, participation dropped to as low as 30% in the 2014 midterms. With only about 60% of Oklahomans registered to vote, that means that about 20% of Oklahomans are making decisions that affect 100% of its population. Efforts to increase voter participation like SQ 836 are underway, hoping to open up closed primaries and to reverse the attacks on initiative petitions, but all of these measures require Oklahomans to participate.
No matter your political affiliation, the future is made by those who show up to vote. Check out voter guides, confirm your voter registration status, and follow the state legislature on the Okie Muslims Vote portal!