The number of people who came out to vote on Nov. 8 was less than anticipated according to election volunteers from different precincts. William Ford Elementary School in Dearborn had about 2,000 registered voters, but at 3 p.m. on election day less than 100 had voted. According to an Arab American Political Action Committee volunteer, Asraa Ali, who was stationed outside the school about 20 of the voters were Arab Americans. 

Kareem Naimi was found voting at the school with his wife and children. His primary reason for voting was the proposal to raise the millage rate for Dearborn libraries. “I use the library a lot and I want my kids to have a good place to study,” he said.  

During the afternoon at Riverside Middle School in Dearborn Heights, election volunteers said they had 1,100 registered voters, but only 120 had come to vote. The school represents precinct 11.  

At Bryant Elementary School in Dearborn Heights, precinct 38, the number of registered voters and the total number who came out to vote was similar. 

Salina Elementary School had the highest number of Arab American voters. An Arab American volunteer says out of the 65 voters more than half were Arab American. Salina elementary school represented precincts 20 and 21 with more than 2,000 registered voters. 

The numbers detailed in this account were taken during the afternoon. Polls closed at 8 p.m. 

“This is our community. We have to vote…,” said Nasra Nahsel who came out to vote with her daughter.