For Colorado, the choice in the national election is simpler than in swing states. As a solid "blue state," it is almost certain that Kamala Harris will win Colorado's electoral votes. This means that regardless of how the Muslim community votes, we do not have the numbers to change that outcome.

Since Harris is all but guaranteed to secure the state’s electoral votes, this provides the Colorado community an opportunity to consider voting third-party without the concern of “wasting” our vote. By voting third-party, we can challenge the dominance of the two-party system and send a clear message to the Democratic Party about our discontentment towards their support of the genocide in Palestine. With this in mind, we encourage Colorado Muslims to cast their votes for third-party candidate Jill Stein/Butch Ware.

In May 2024, as the genocide in Gaza persisted, many elected leaders were asked to sign a letter calling for a cease-fire. While some showed their support, many of those in positions of power – elected with significant backing from the Muslim community – chose not to.

This election, the Muslim community will hold these leaders accountable for their failure to advocate for a cease-fire and for turning a blind eye to the suffering of Palestinians. True leadership is not defined by convenience, but by the willingness to make difficult decisions when justice demands it. The strength of those in power is tested when they are faced with hard choices – when doing the right thing requires courage, sometimes at the risk of political backlash. Sadly, many of those who benefitted from our support failed that test.

History has shown that the character of politicians is judged not by what they did when it was easy, but by what they did when it was hard. During the era of Jim Crow, many politicians had the chance to stand up against institutional racism, but only a few did. Those who chose the path of justice, despite the fierce opposition, are remembered as leaders who changed the course of history. Similarly, during the Holocaust, there were individuals and leaders who risked their lives and political careers to oppose the atrocities. They acted when it mattered most, even when the cost was high, and today they are revered as moral exemplars.

In the same way, we will remember those who had the opportunity to call for peace and justice in Gaza, but chose silence instead. It is not just about a single vote or policy – it’s about moral leadership and standing up for human rights when it matters most. Their refusal to act during such a critical time sends a clear message that they are not willing to lead with integrity when it counts.

We will not allow our voices to be ignored or our votes to be taken for granted. The Muslim vote will no longer be a given for those who don’t stand with us in our fight for dignity and human rights, both at home and abroad. This election, the Muslim community will vote against those who failed us and in doing so will make sure our voices are heard at the ballot box.

The Colorado Muslim Voter Guide is a grassroots initiative dedicated to mobilizing a united vote within Colorado’s Muslim community. We believe that when we stand together, we have the power to create meaningful change – not only within our local communities but in the broader political landscape. Our initiative is driven by passionate, committed individuals who are focused on making a positive impact through advocacy, education, and proactive engagement.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that every vote counts, and when we vote as a collective, our voices are amplified. We aim to empower the Muslim community to make informed choices, leveraging our collective voice to advocate for policies that reflect our values. By fostering political awareness, we equip our community with the tools to engage in the democratic process and make decisions that align with both our faith and our aspirations for a better society.

We are not just focused on the presidential elections but on all levels of governance – local, state, and national. Through this voter guide, we hope to provide our community with the information and resources needed to have a direct impact on the political process.

This initiative isn’t just about voting – it’s about building long-term political power. By encouraging civic participation, we are laying the foundation for future generations of leaders within our community. We are making it clear that the Muslim vote is essential and that our concerns must be addressed. Together, we can influence elections, hold our leaders accountable, and push for a future that respects the dignity and rights of all people. We stand united in our commitment to shaping a political landscape where our voices are heard, and our values are represented.