A new poll reveals that Muslim voters could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
According to a survey conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Vice President Kamala Harris is currently tied with Green Party candidate Jill Stein among Muslim voters.
As reported by the New York Post, this surprising result suggests that the Democratic ticket may face challenges in securing a key demographic that has traditionally leaned left.
The poll, which surveyed 1,159 Muslims, shows that Harris and Stein each garnered 29% support from Muslim voters. Former President Donald Trump received 11% support, while other candidates like Cornel West and Libertarian Chase Oliver registered 4% and 1%, respectively. Notably, 9% of respondents indicated they do not plan to vote at all.
The survey results reflect a broader dissatisfaction among Muslim voters with the current administration's policies, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Biden's declaration of being a "Zionist" and his handling of the situation in Gaza have evidently alienated many Muslim supporters.
A previous unreleased CAIR poll conducted before Harris became the nominee showed even lower support for the Democratic ticket. In that survey, Stein led with 36% support, followed by West at 25%, while then-candidate Biden received only 7% support.
The shift in Muslim voter sentiment appears to be largely driven by foreign policy concerns. CAIR noted that in the earlier poll, an overwhelming 98% of respondents disapproved of President Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war.
CAIR emphasized the potential influence of Muslim voters in crucial swing states. Michigan and Pennsylvania, in particular, have significant Muslim populations that could sway election results. According to CAIR:
With over 90% of Muslim voters still indicating they have a voting preference or are still considering which candidate to support, the American Muslim community continues to exhibit a strong determination to participate in this election despite widespread discontent.
This high level of engagement, coupled with concentrated populations in battleground states, suggests that Muslim voters could indeed be a decisive factor in November.
Vice President Harris has attempted to address some of the concerns raised by Muslim voters. She has been vocal about wanting a cease-fire since March and has faced pressure to deviate from standard campaign rhetoric to address these issues.
During a recent rally in Savannah, Georgia, Harris stated:
We are fighting for a democracy, and in a democracy, everyone has a right and should have their voices heard. But on the subject, the president and I are working around the clock. We have to get a hostage deal done and a cease-fire.
Despite these efforts, the poll indicates that Harris has not yet fully won over Muslim voters, leaving room for third-party candidates like Stein to potentially impact the election outcome.
The CAIR poll highlights the complex political landscape facing the Democratic ticket in 2024. Muslim voters, traditionally a reliable Democratic constituency, are showing signs of discontent and a willingness to consider alternative candidates. This shift could have significant implications in key swing states, potentially altering the electoral map. As the campaign progresses, both major parties will likely intensify their efforts to address the concerns of Muslim voters and secure their support in what promises to be a closely contested election.
