MCMC: Voter Recommendation Guide Process

In a challenging election cycle for our community, the Montgomery County Muslim Council (MCMC) has given deep thought and considerable discussion both internally and with community members in developing its 2024 Maryland General Election voter guide.  In order to finalize our list of recommended candidates, we engaged in and leveraged numerous inputs, such as:

• Candidate meetings

• U.S. Senate: MCMC extended invitations to both Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and PG County Exec. Angela Alsobrooks.  While Mr. Hogan did not respond, MCMC was able to meet with Ms. Alsobrooks multiple times, most notably co-hosting a statewide Meet and Greet event in September.

• Congressional District 6:  MCMC extended invitations to both Neil Parrott (R) and April Delaney (D).  Mr. Parrott did respond, but to date we have been unable to schedule a meeting. Similarly, Ms. Delaney did respond and a meeting is pending. MCMC has been able to meet briefly with Ms. Delaney in an informal setting.

• Board of Education:  MCMC has been able to meet with all 6 BOE candidates individually, spending approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour with each candidate.

• Meet and Greet events with numerous candidates

• Soliciting and reviewing candidate questionnaire responses (available on our website) for various offices

• Review of public engagements, such as candidate debates, news articles, etc.

• Background reviews and interviews with separate candidates

• Community input

Based on this process and numerous engagements, which have occurred over the past few months and more when including the primary election season, MCMC has developed a set of candidate recommendations which we feel best represents and aligns our community needs at the local, state, and national levels.

President of the United States

Recommendation:  “No Recommendation – Vote Your Conscience”

One of if not the most challenging election cycle we have encountered, the MCMC Board struggled in determining its recommendation for President.  Arguably, there is no clear cut choice to be made, with valid arguments for specific candidates, as well as valid arguments against specific candidates. This is true amongst community members and within the MCMC Board as well. A significant factor, although not the only factor, in MCMC’s recommendation is the notion that Maryland is not a swing state.

As a result, MCMC is recommending:  “No Recommendation – Vote Your Conscience”.  Essentially, this means MCMC has no particular recommendation, and we encourage each community member to vote based on their own assessment.

Here is the rationale for voting for specific candidates. Note, MCMC does not see any rationale in placing a vote for Donald Trump (R).

A vote for Jill Stein (G):

Voting for Stein sends a message to Democrats and Republicans that Palestine is the top issue for Maryland Muslims,  and that we will not vote for candidates that support policies that will continue to deprive the Palestinian people of life, liberty, and dignity. 

Whereas the Biden-Harris Administration has been complicit in the genocide taking place in Gaza, Stein has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian human rights and has called for an arms embargo to be placed on Israel.

Because Harris is all but assured victory in Maryland, taking this opportunity to send a message to her and the Democratic Party by voting for Stein would not help Trump win Maryland.  Further,  voting for Stein sends a message that Muslim votes must be earned and not taken for granted.

A vote for Kamala Harris (D):

This has been a heart wrenching year for American Muslims. With Israel’s genocidal assault against Gaza, over 40,000 Palestinians killed and 2+ million pushed to the verge of starvation. We are now faced with the prospect of a Harris or Trump presidency next year.

It is now quite clear Harris will continue Biden’s policy towards Palestine, i.e. full support for Israeli actions, even war crimes. On the other hand, a Trump presidency will bring an immigrant-hating and Muslim-hating man into the White House. By his own admission he will once again institute a Muslim travel ban. Trump will also likely dismantle Gaza and support the full destruction of all Palestinians. During his first term, Trump recognized Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel and recognized the occupied Golan Heights as part of Israel.

With these terrible choices facing us, the only sliver of hope American Muslims have is that a large fraction of the American public continues to speak up for freedom for Palestine and believes in welcoming immigrants. This group almost entirely resides within the Democratic Party base. It is for this reason one should vote for Kamala Harris so we may continue our fight for what matters to us. Also, it is a Democratic Party administration that presents the best chances that America will remain welcoming to immigrants. Our children and grandchildren’s future in America depends on this.

U.S. Senate

Recommendation:  Angela Alsobrooks (D)

As noted above, MCMC had extended invites to both Gov. Hogan and County Executive Alsobrooks.  While we have not yet received a response from Mr. Hogan, MCMC has been able to meet with and engage with Ms. Alsobrooks a handful of times – in public forums as well as in private meetings.

With only public knowledge to go off of, Mr. Hogan presents as a candidate who often aligns his policies and actions with the MAGA Republican base, which is concerning. His views and statements on the genocide and humanitarian crisis in Palestine – Gaza as well as rising tensions in the West Bank – are very alarming. Furthermore, actions taken while Governor, such as the implementation of anti-BDS language in contracts issued by the state, are very troubling.

Ms. Alsobrooks presents a rational outlook and set of policies that address the concerns of most Marylanders.  With respect to our community, Ms. Alsobrooks conveys a pragmatic approach to many of our concerns and needs.  With respect to the crisis in Palestine, while we would like Ms. Alsobrooks to be more forceful in her language and positions conveyed, she is definitely the candidate who has already and will continue to engage our community and fight for equality and justice for all.  Furthermore, from the start of her campaign, Ms. Alsobrooks has been supported and guided by Senator Chris Van Hollen, the foremost leader in the Senate. Finally, there are serious concerns about the balance of power within the Senate. As such, this Senate seat potentially represents the deciding vote in the Senate, something we are much more comfortable having Ms. Alsbrooks possess.

Congressional District 4

Recommendation:  No Recommendation

The incumbent, Glenn Ivey (D), has supported many anti-Muslim initiatives during his time in Congress, all the while being one of the largest recipience nationally of AIPAC funding. His opponent, George McDermott (R), has a very low chance of winning due to the demographics of this district. As a result, MCMC recommends not placing a vote for Congressional District 6.

Congressional District 6

Recommendation:  April Delaney (D)

Admittedly, this is a challenging recommendation.  Despite numerous attempts, MCMC to-date has not been able to meet with Ms. Delaney (D) or Mr. Parrott ®(R).  Neither has expressed any, or weak, support for Gaza and Palestinian rights. After reading and listening to many public engagements and statements, including the recent candidates debate, MCMC concluded that despite her flaws, Ms. Delaney represents the best opportunity for engagement by our community.  Mr. Parrott represents an ultra-MAGA agenda, including specifically stating that he does not support a two-state solution.  As a result, MCMC suggests placing a vote for April Delaney in Congressional District 6

Congressional District 8

Recommendation:  Jamie Raskin (D)

The incumbent, Jamie Raskin (D), has rapidly been rising up the ranks in the House of Representatives. On the issue of Palestine/Gaza, Mr. Raskin has had mixed results but has shown his continued willingness to engage and hear from his Muslim constituents. Mr. Raskin has also publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, including the need to significantly increase humanitarian aid in Gaza.. His opponents, Cheryl Riley (R) and Nancy Wallace (G), have a very low chance of winning due to the demographics of this district. As a result, MCMC recommends placing a vote for Jamie Raskin in Congressional District 8.

Montgomery County Board of Education 

While there are many topics and issues of concern for our community with respect to the MCPS school system, the prevailing most important topics were related to Parental Rights and Freedom of Speech (support of Pro-Palestinian speech).  Through lengthy and in-depth engagements with each BOE candidate, MCMC concludes the following recommendations:

At Large:  Rita Montoya

The current incumbent, Lynne Harris, has very clearly stated that she does not support Parental Rights related to LGBTQ themed lesson plans, nor did she convey consistent sympathy and support for Pro-Palestinian speech.  Rita Montoya focused her responses on the need to follow established law, but in doing so expressed sympathies related to Parental Rights. On the topic of Freedom of Speech, Ms. Montoya acknowledged issues with how this has been handled and the need to have revised, consistent policies on this matter.

District 2:  Brenda Diaz

The District 2 BOE race is challenging. Brenda Diaz, a former teacher, very clearly and consistently has supported Parental Rights related to LGBTQ themed lesson plans, as well as protecting Free Speech in the form of Pro-Palestinian speech. Ms. Diaz has also advocated for the use of SRO’s (school resource officers) and possibly police presence in schools, which some find troubling.  Natalie Zimmerman, a current MCPS teacher with a few years of experience, clearly stated that she does not support Parental Rights related to LGBTQ themed lesson plans, stating the need for promoting inclusive environments.  While Ms. Zimmerman did profess sympathies for students who have experienced bigotry and hate in the past year as well as teachers who have been targeted for speech made in private settings, she was not clear on how she would support or defend Free Speech in the form of Pro-Palestinian speech, and stated the need to remain neutral and not having a right or purview to speak about these issues further stating that as long as the discourse is not hate speech, it should be fine.  As a result, continuing with our recommendation made in the Primary elections, clear support for Parental Rights and Freedom of Speech prevails.

District 4:  Shebra Evans

Admittedly, both incumbent Shebra Evans and her opponent Laura Stewart were clear in noting they do not support Parental Rights related to LGBTQ themed lesson plans, and were weak in their responses to the topic of Free Speech.  However, Ms. Evans acknowledged the need to continue engaging with parents and the greater community on both topics as well as several other areas of needs, and displayed a strong willingness to develop relationships and engage with our community to better represent this segment of Montgomery County.

Judges

Recommendation:  No Recommendations

With respect to the election of judges, there are 4 positions being contested as follows:

• Judge of the Circuit Court – Circuit 6 – vote for up to 4

• Judge, Appellate Court of Maryand at Large – Anne K. Albright

• Judge, Appellate Court of Maryland at Large – Kevin Arthur

• Judge, Appellate Court of Maryland at Large – Andrea M Leahy

Unfortunately, MCMC was not able to meet with any of these candidates and was unable to spend the necessary time to be better informed on their issues and positions on behalf of our community. As such, MCMC cannot provide any recommendations regarding these judges.

Ballot Question 1: Declaration of Rights – Right to Reproductive Freedom

Recommendation:  For

The question is nuanced, and through its research we believe it has a clear understanding of the question. This question is not proposing a new law or change to an existing law. Rather, it is reaffirming previously passed legislation in the form of adding it to the Maryland Constitution.

The existing law in question, refers to reproductive freedom, which encompasses many items including but not limited to measures related to the health of a woman experiencing pregnancy complications, the use of contraception, and more.  While this is a sensitive topic and one that requires understanding the specifics of the current existing legislation, we believe that reaffirming existing law within the Maryland Constitution does not introduce new law and protects certain necessary provisions.

Ballot Question A: Term Limit – Reduction from Three to Two Consecutive Terms

Recommendation:  Against

The question about limiting terms for the County Executive only applies to this one position, while the County Council is allowed three (3) terms. The measure to limit terms to three (3) for both the County Executive and County Council was passed in 2016.  This is a measure designed to very specifically deny Marc Elrich, the current Montgomery County Executive, from running again for reelection.  MCMC feels this is not right, specifically targeting the office of the County Executive.  MCMC’s recommendation may have been different had this ballot question been more equitable and targeted the entire Montgomery County Council, not just the County Executive.

Summary/Conclusion

Please note – virtually all candidates for the varied open races are not perfect candidates. The reality is we must find common ground on as many policy issues as possible, and focus on our ability as a community and the willingness of each candidate to work with us moving forward. In addition, in some cases certain candidates failed to respond to our queries in spite of follow up, or declined to participate in our forums.  We were forced to eliminate such candidates from consideration, not having a way to assess their positions. This may have included at times candidates whose positions may find favor with some members of our community.

Montgomery County Muslim Council (MCMC) is a non-partisan organization, focusing its voter recommendations on the values and interests of our community. This process is influenced by the political landscape of Maryland and Maryland election law.

We recognize this process, in spite of its rigor, does involve some level of judgment. We have tried to do it as best as possible within the limitations of our resources and candidates’ willingness to work with us, and pray to Allah, the Most Merciful, to keep guiding us to act in the way that pleases Him and serves our community best. 

Board of Directors

Montgomery County Muslim Council