We live in a community that prides itself on its pursuit of the American Dream. However, although voting is an essential part of the American experience, it remains a low priority for many local Arab Americans. Nevertheless, there is simply too much at stake in the elections this year to stay at home.  Our cities are going through a critical phase, and their future rests in the ballots that we cast.

Although local elections do not get the media attention that presidential and midterm elections receive, they remain vital to the well-being of this community. City officials, including the mayor, city council and city clerk, are our most direct representation in government. They have a tremendous impact on the safety and planning of our neighborhoods and the value of our businesses and properties.

Arab American turnout in the primary this year in Dearborn was just above ten percent. This is an unfortunately low number for our community. With over 13,000 registered Arab American voters in Dearborn, living in homes between Greenfield and Wyoming, it is clear that this area, alone, can make a decisive difference in any election. 

Despite the low number of Arab American voters, a growing number of Arab American candidates have been running for public office in recent years. This year, three Arab American first-time candidates are seeking to pump new blood into local politics. These candidates are native representatives of our community, and their objective is to serve the interests of our City. The Arab American community should be proud that three of its successful members are in the race, hoping to win, so as to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the City.

Aside from the Arab American candidates, there are other qualified candidates, who are friends of this community and have pledged to look after our interests and preserve the diversity of our City. All of these candidates need your votes.  As it occurs, all too often,in local elections, only a handful of votes separate the winning candidate from the losing one. Each vote matters.

Our votes in each election increase the community’s impact throughout the political landscape for the future. When we turn out in large numbers, we create a voting bloc that politicians cannot overlook. They will have to recognize our interests and answer to our concerns.

In previous years, the community has seen some benefits from the power of its votes.  In 2012, local voters came out in droves to elect Dearborn’s first Arab American judge, Sam Salamey. However, many Arab American issues remain unaddressed, such as representation on the police force and in other City departments.

Additionally, three crucial proposals that could affect the education of our children are on the line. The Dearborn Public Schools’ S.M.A.R.T bond and the two Henry Ford Community College millages would provide our children with the academic resources they need for the future. These benefits come at a minimal cost to us, as tax payers. More than one-third of the student body at HFCC is Arab American, and over 12,000 children from our community attend Dearborn Public Schools, which makes our votes even more important and necessary.

Let’s also not forget other important races, such as the mayoral races in Detroit, Hamtramck and Dearborn Heights.  The results in each of these cities will have a significant impact on our community and its prosperity.

Arab American frustration with Washington, for its policies on civil rights and immigration, and towards their homelands in the Middle East may discourage some residents from being involved in U.S. politics. Despite changes in Congress and the White House, U.S. foreign policy towards the Arab World has not changed much over the past few decades. However, our interest in the politics of our countries of origin should not distract us from local concerns. As former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tip O’Neill says: “All politics is local.”

Change at the local level is possible, and we need to invest in this area, as Arab Americans. Let us start change in our own backyards — our cities, municipalities and schools — by showing up to the polls on Tuesday, November 5.

The turnout for this election is predicted to be low. Therefore, our community has the ability to make a significant influence, but only if we defy expectations and come out in large numbers.