*UPDATE (February 27, 2024): CAIR has revised its overall estimate of registered American Muslim voters with traditional Muslim names and backgrounds, increasing the count from 1,785,755 to 2,203,984. This adjustment is based on additional data obtained for the states of CT, CO, and VA. Notably, CAIR’s previous estimate, released on February 25, did not incorporate these figures, as they were assessed using different methodologies.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced a significant increase in the sizable presence of registered Muslim American voters across the United States.
Through independent research and collaboration with Aristotle, a leader in voter, donor, and consumer data, CAIR counts over *2.5 million registered Muslim American voters nationwide. CAIR previously estimated in 2022, there were some 1.2 million or more Muslim voters.
This finding marks a crucial milestone in understanding the political landscape and civic participation of the Muslim American community. Using metrics including distinct Muslim surnames, Muslim first names, geographical information, and nationality, Aristotle was able to identify at least *2,203,984 registered Muslim voters.
CAIR conservatively estimates there are well over 300,000 additional African American, White, and Latin-American Muslim voters who are unidentifiable through conventional methodologies.
States with the largest number of American Muslim registered voters by rank include California, New York, Virginia, Texas, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Georgia, and Ohio.
CAIR made this assessment of American Muslim voter demographics within the nation’s most ethnically diverse religious group.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director, Nihad Awad said:
“As American Muslim voters surge in numbers, united in staunch opposition to the United States’ complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, our ballots wield the power not only to shape policy but to determine our leaders and chart a better course for our nation.”
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw said:
“Understanding the size and diversity of the Muslim American electorate is vital for effective political representation and engagement. The finding of over 2.5 million registered Muslim American voters is a conservative estimate and underscores the need for parties, candidates, and policymakers to recognize the importance of engaging and addressing the needs of this active community. In many states, Muslim Americans can tip the outcome of close races.”
CAIR notes approximately 20-25% of Muslim American voters are African American, with three-quarters born in the U.S. Moreover, factors including assimilation, marriage, and conversion mean many African American, White and Latino Muslims may not have names typically associated with Muslim identity.
CAIR remains committed to advancing political empowerment and civil rights for Muslim Americans while fostering a more inclusive and equitable society overall. The organization encourages further research and collaboration to enhance understanding of the Muslim American electorate and its growing impact.
In the coming weeks, CAIR also plans to relaunch its nationwide “Muslims Vote” campaign, providing get-out-the-vote resources including an election calendar, sample candidate questions, election surveys of Muslim voter attitudes, and more.
NOTE: As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CAIR does not endorse or oppose candidates for office, and makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate being elected over another.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-999-8292, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com