Mapping Civic Engagement
This analysis identifies where Muslim voter registration and turnout outreach can have the greatest impact across Chicago, suburban Cook County, and DuPage County. Explore the findings and interactive map below.
About the Project
CAIR-Chicago wanted a data-driven way to identify where voter registration outreach could have the greatest impact instead of relying on assumptions about which neighborhoods needed it most.
How It Works
The tool combines Census population estimates with voter turnout records to score every ward and township across Chicago, suburban Cook County, and DuPage County. Areas with a large estimated Muslim population and comparatively low turnout are prioritized for outreach.
Limitations
This data measures overall area turnout, not turnout specific to the Muslim population, since no dataset tracks that directly. It's a tool for prioritizing where to focus registration and turnout outreach, not a precise measure of how Muslim voters are participating.
Key Findings at a Glance
64% of Cook County's estimated Muslim population lives outside Chicago city limits
Ward 50 is ranked highest among Chicago's 50 wards
Niles Township is ranked highest among suburban Cook County's 30 townships
Bloomingdale Township is ranked highest in DuPage County, with the county's largest estimated Muslim population and lowest turnout
Next Steps:
Mosque-based voter registration events
Jumu’ah walkouts to the polls
Further advocacy campaigns
This tool is freely available for other organizations to use.
Voter Resources
Registering takes less than five minutes.
Step 1: Register
Registering takes less than five minutes.
Online: elections.il.gov
In person: at upcoming registration events (dates/locations to follow)
By mail: download and print a form at elections.il.gov
What you’ll need: You'll need proof of Illinois residency and a valid ID.
Registration deadline: 28 days before Election Day. Grace period registration is available up to 27 days before if you miss the deadline.
Step 2: Know Your Options
Early voting is available in the weeks before the election
Mail-in ballots can be requested if you can't vote in person
On Election Day, vote at your assigned polling location, confirm yours before then
Step 3: Show Up
Bring valid ID to your polling location
If you're already registered, confirm your polling location hasn't changed.