(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 8/24/2016) – The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today launched a statewide #CAIR2Vote Muslim voter engagement campaign – at www.Muslims.Vote/OK – that seeks to promote civic engagement, voter registration and voter education programs.
The 2016 election cycle has corresponded with an alarming increase in Islamophobia nationwide, as reported in “When Islamophobia Turns Violent: The 2016 U.S. Presidential Elections,” a special report by The Bridge Initiative, a Georgetown University research project.
Oklahoma has seen discriminatory “Muslim-free” businesses, armed anti-Islam rallies and multiple acts of vandalism at Islamic centers.
CAIR-OK has actively worked to engage and educate the Oklahoma Muslim community in local, state, and federal politics since the passage of an anti-Shariah state question in 2010 that sought to demonize and marginalize the Muslim community. Although State Question 755 was later ruled unconstitutional, CAIR-OK recognizes that anti-Muslim legislation can only be defeated by Muslim involvement especially at the local level.
“As we approach November, Muslim Americans are trying to find ways to have their voices heard in a time a significant fear and uncertainty,” said Anna Facci, CAIR-OK’s Events and Operations Coordinator. “The #CAIR2Vote campaign is helping us continue to connect with our community members to offer them a proactive space for advocacy and to offer resources to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.”
Visit www.Muslims.Vote/OK to register to vote, update your voter registration status, and access CAIR-OK’s soon to be released 2016 Civic Engagement Guide. You can join the campaign on social media by using the hashtag #CAIR2Vote
CAIR Oklahoma is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties of all people, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
“El objetivo del CAIR es lograr que se respeten los derechos de las personas y que se alcance un entendimiento mutuo, al mismo tiempo que se fomenta el diálogo constructivo, la justicia y la comprensión social.”
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CONTACT: CAIR Oklahoma Government Affairs Coordinator Anna Facci, 918-269-7924, afacci@cair.com; CAIR Oklahoma Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com.