Hundreds of South Asian Michigan residents gathered in Westland on October 30 for Light Up the Vote, a Diwali rally hosted by The Impact Fund and SAATH, according to a statement from the organizers.
Held four days before Election Day, the event brought together Democratic candidates, elected officials, and community members. Participants garlanded the leaders on stage and joined them in lighting a diya to celebrate Diwali.
The statement highlighted the potential influence of South Asian voters, noting that Michigan’s last U.S. Senate race was decided by about 19,000 votes, while nearly 30,000 registered South Asian voters did not participate in the 2022 midterm elections. With nearly 190,000 South Asian residents statewide, organizers said the community could help determine the outcome of November’s elections. They also raised concerns about hate targeting South Asians.
Speakers included Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate; Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee for governor; Michigan House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri; Ann Arbor City Council Member Ayesha Ghazi Edwin; and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. Songwriter, actress, and activist Ari Afsar served as emcee, and community members representing different faiths also took the stage.
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The program featured a performance by the University of Michigan Wolveraas, a South Asian vendor market, and a children’s activity area.
El-Sayed encouraged attendees to draw on the spirit of Diwali and participate in the election.
“Let us have the courage to light up the rooms we walk into. Let us have the courage to lift up our voice and light our light at the ballot box. Let us have the courage to be inspired by what we believe in our children, understanding that everybody feels the same way when they look at their kids, coming together to build a movement that’s best for all of our kids, regardless of where they are. Let us have that, and this Diwali, wishing you a happy, blessed holiday. I am so grateful to be here to commemorate with you. I’m honored to be welcomed into the community,” he said.
Benson emphasized economic priorities and voter participation.
“This election is our opportunity to put more money in your pockets and well-paying jobs in your communities. It’s an opportunity to elect leaders who believe that the power of the people must always be greater than the people in power. … Let’s celebrate the festival of lights next week and look forward to a bright future for our whole state,” she said.
Puri linked the symbolism of lighting a diya with casting a ballot.
“Diwali teaches us that light wins over darkness. But let’s also remember that a diya doesn’t light itself. Someone has to strike the match. … Voting is striking the match to light the diya. A Senate seat, the governor’s office, and the state House majority are all on the line, and this community can decide all three,” he said.
Chintan Patel, executive director of Impact, spoke about shared concerns across communities.
“Diwali is a little over a week away, and its promise is simple: the dark does not get the last word. … I am a Hindu American and an Indian immigrant, and I am proud to say I support a Muslim American, the son of Egyptian immigrants, for the United States Senate. … The family in the next seat wants what your family wants. Politics that can’t be bought. A paycheck that stretches. A doctor they can afford. To walk into their place of worship and feel safe. That’s what unites us,” Patel said.
SAATH founder Rohan Soni also urged South Asian voters to participate.
“We’ve come here tonight as a celebration of Diwali. A testament to the fight of good over evil. To all the South Asian voters here today, you can be the light that guides us out of this darkness,” Soni said.
Community partners included Hindus for Abdul, Umeed, Emgage MI, the Michigan College Democrats, 99 Coalition, AAPI Victory Fund, Hindus for Human Rights Action, Democratic Bangladeshi Caucus, Go Grow Playrooms, and People’s Coalition, according to the statement.
