[Detroit, Michigan, July 8, 2026] — On Tuesday, July 7, Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk, Ameer of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA), joined more than four dozen clergy, faith leaders, and laypersons representing Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Unitarian Universalist communities at Central United Methodist Church in Detroit for a press conference affirming the sacred right to vote and expressing concern over recent federal actions that could undermine public confidence in Michigan’s elections.
Hosted by Rev. Paul Perez, lead minister of Central United Methodist Church, the gathering brought together faith leaders from across southeast Michigan in support of the Faith in Us letter, signed by more than 250 faith leaders in Michigan and over 2,000 faith leaders nationwide, calling for free, fair, and accessible elections.
The coalition voiced concern over recent actions by the federal government, including the Department of Justice’s announcement that election monitors would be sent to Detroit, Lansing, and East Lansing during the August primary, as well as continued unsubstantiated claims of election fraud that threaten public confidence in the electoral process.
Faith leaders also expressed concern about proposals that could restrict access to voting, including measures affecting mail-in ballots, voter registration requirements under the SAVE Act, and the potential deployment of ICE agents or National Guard personnel near polling places. They warned that such actions could disproportionately impact communities of color, tribal citizens, active-duty military personnel, low-income Americans, married women, and other eligible voters.
“As people of faith, we affirm that every eligible citizen should be able to participate in our democracy freely, safely, and peacefully,” said Imam Mustapha Elturk. “We reject intimidation, coercion, threats, or unlawful interference that could prevent any eligible voter from exercising this fundamental civic responsibility.”
He continued: “Regardless of our political differences, we share a common responsibility to preserve a society in which every voice can be heard, every eligible vote can be cast, every lawful vote can be counted, and every person is treated with dignity and respect.”
Imam Elturk reminded those gathered that the pursuit of justice is a sacred obligation shared by all people of faith.
“The Qur’an commands us: ‘O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice as witnesses for God, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your relatives’ (Qur’an 4:135). Justice is not selective. It is a trust from God. As people of faith, let us continue to uphold that trust by promoting fairness, integrity, peace, and respect for one another.”
IONA believes that protecting the right of every eligible citizen to vote is not merely a constitutional obligation but a moral and religious responsibility. A healthy democracy depends upon public confidence that elections are conducted fairly, lawfully, and without intimidation.
The Islamic Organization of North America remains committed to working with faith communities and civic leaders to promote justice, protect the integrity of our democratic institutions, and encourage informed and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
To watch the entire Press Conference visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/1__IYpPnoLs?t=654s
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