On Wednesday night, Michigan’s top political leaders showed their appreciation for the local Arab American community by attending and speaking at the 17th annual dinner of the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC). U.S. congressional leaders, national, state and local candidates, mayors, judges and activists from all around the state attended the event and paid tribute to our community.

Since the inception of AAPAC 17 years ago, the organization has grown and gained credibility along with our community. The committee, which represents the community’s political power, has become a destination for candidates seeking the Arab American vote. Hence, AAPAC’s success is a manifestation of our growth as a political heavyweight in the state. 

Arab contributions to the state in business and social services are indisputable. Politics is a new front for us to conquer. The door to politics is accessible to everybody, and voting is the key.  Voting and organizing is a means to empower our community in all fields and assert ourselves as partners in the decision-making process. 

When the likes of the Dean of the House, Congressman John Dingell; Senator Carl Levin; Congressman Garry Peters; a representative of Gov. Rick Snyder; gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan take turns praising our community and highlighting its achievements in one evening, it is a testament to how essential we have become to the prosperity of this region. 

But this show of affection to our community on Wednesday night will not be complete if we don’t come out and exercise our right and responsibility to vote on November 4. AAPAC has gained prominence because of its ability to mobilize voters. If we stay at home on election day, our organizations, along with our political influence, will shrink.

The Arab American News will announce its endorsements for all contested races in the region next week. Our newspaper will continue to adopt AAPAC’s endorsements because of the organization’s transparency and tremendous efforts in researching and interviewing every candidate who requests its support.

Your vote is a terrible thing to waste. Do not let our community down. Vote on Nov. 4.