Wisconsin Muslims Urged to Vote on April 7

Despite concerns over new IHRA bill, WMCA and WMCF focus on civic engagement and Eid holiday recognition

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes and waves of deep blue, teal, and gold, conceptually representing the political energy and civic engagement of Wisconsin's Muslim community ahead of the upcoming election.As Wisconsin's Muslim community mobilizes to make their voices heard at the polls, a sense of civic energy and political urgency permeates the air.Franklin Today

The Wisconsin Muslim Civic Association (WMCA) and its partner organization, the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation (WMCF), are urging Wisconsin Muslims to vote in the upcoming April 7 election. This comes despite the recent signing of the controversial IHRA bill, which WMCA had actively lobbied against. The organizations are also working to gain bipartisan support for a bill to recognize the Eid holiday statewide and are holding civic knowledge competitions for students at universities and high schools across Wisconsin.

Why it matters

The IHRA bill has raised concerns among civil rights groups that it could conflate legitimate political speech with antisemitism, particularly in relation to advocacy around Palestinian human rights. WMCA's efforts to engage the Muslim community in the political process and advocate for the recognition of the Eid holiday aim to amplify Muslim voices and ensure their interests are represented.

The details

WMCA, a registered lobbying organization, had actively lobbied against the IHRA bill since September. However, the bill was recently signed into law despite their efforts. WMCA condemned the decision to advance the bill without a recorded roll call vote, citing concerns about transparency, accountability and democratic integrity. Meanwhile, WMCA and WMCF are preparing to open their first dedicated office space in Franklin, Wisconsin, after previously operating in a shared co-working space. They are also holding civic knowledge competitions for students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and high schools across the state, in partnership with campus Muslim Student Associations.

  • The IHRA bill was signed into law recently, despite WMCA's lobbying efforts since September.
  • WMCA and WMCF are planning to hold an open house and grand opening for their new office space in Franklin, Wisconsin, with the date to be announced soon.
  • The civic knowledge competitions for university and high school students are being held this spring.

The players

Wisconsin Muslim Civic Association (WMCA)

A registered lobbying organization that has been actively advocating against the IHRA bill and working to gain bipartisan support for a bill to recognize the Eid holiday statewide.

Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation (WMCF)

A partner organization of WMCA that is holding civic knowledge competitions for students at universities and high schools across Wisconsin, in conjunction with campus Muslim Student Associations.

Gov. Tony Evers

The governor of Wisconsin who recently signed the IHRA bill into law, despite WMCA's lobbying efforts against it.

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What they’re saying

“This bill would have a chilling effect across college campuses and communities statewide.”

— WMCA, Press release

“We think it will be passed in the January 2027 session. It had a number of sponsors and co-authors.”

— Mahnoor Qureshi, WMCA spokesperson

“Having Eid recognized, even though it won't be an official day off, will make it easier for students or employees to be able to attend Eid prayers, or for schools to schedule exams, graduations and other events on the Eid.”

— Mahnoor Qureshi, WMCA spokesperson

What’s next

The civic knowledge competitions for university and high school students will continue to be held this spring, and WMCA and WMCF are preparing to open their new office space in Franklin, Wisconsin, with the date to be announced soon.

The takeaway

Despite the recent setback with the IHRA bill, WMCA and WMCF remain focused on engaging the Muslim community in the political process and advocating for their interests, such as the recognition of the Eid holiday. Their efforts to amplify Muslim voices through civic education and engagement initiatives demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the community's concerns are heard and addressed.