American Muslims in the 2016 Election and Beyond

Objectives

In the midst of a polarized and heated election season in 2016 where Muslims were frequent subjects of national debate, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) set out to discover what American Muslims wanted for themselves. ISPU researchers set out to answer three key questions:

Why: What is the case for American Muslim civic and political engagement?
What: What are the main policy priorities for American Muslim communities
How: What do American Muslim communities need to do in the short term and the long term to increase political participation?

Methodology

This report is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques. ISPU researchers based their analysis and recommendations on:

A literature review of “Get Out The Vote” best practices
In-depth interviews with more than 30 civic leaders
A 2016 ISPU nationally representative poll of American Muslims
Extensive additional qualitative feedback from our advisors, Muslim community leaders and community members

Community Brief

American Muslims in the 2016 Election and Beyond: Executive Summary
April 5, 2016,
By Tasneem Siddiqui
In the midst of a polarized and heated election season in 2016 where Muslims were frequent subjects of national debate, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) set out to discover what American Muslims wanted for themselves. ISPU researchers set out to answer three...
American Muslims in the 2016 Election and Beyond: Full Report
April 5, 2016,
By Tasneem Siddiqui
In the midst of a polarized and heated election season in 2016 where Muslims were frequent subjects of national debate, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) set out to discover what American Muslims wanted for themselves. ISPU researchers set out to answer three...

Additional ISPU Reports & Resources

American Muslims Should Fight Islamophobia in 2016 elections
April 18, 2015,
By Muqtedar Khan
The American Muslim condition is paradoxical. Muslims in the U.S. live in the best of circumstances and the worst of times. Most tend to be mainstream, moderate and middle class. They are educated and are well integrated into American society. In fact, they are seen...
Politics and Prejudice: Countering Islamophobia in the 2016 Presidential Race
June 5, 2015,
By Engy Abdelkader
If the last two elections are any indication, candidates in the 2016 presidential race may be tempted to engage in Muslim-bashing – playing off national security anxieties and fostering racial and religious animus – to win the vote. But anti-Muslim bigotry comes at a high...