Mosques and madrasahs in Preston encouraged over 1,000 extra Muslims to come out and vote as part of an initiative.

With the support and help of the Preston branch of MEND (Muslim Engagement & Development), mosques and madrasahs encouraged and reminded their congregations of the importance of voting and participating in the recent elections.

Imtiyaz Kamal from Saliheen Mosque in Broadgate said, “I advised my congregation yesterday after evening prayers about the importance of voting and not letting one's vote go to waste.

The announcement was received very positively.” Preston City Councillor Drew Gale who was standing up for re-election said, “From what I've seen at the polling stations today, the turn out from the Muslim community has been high bearing in mind it’s not even a general election.

It's really pleasing to see all the demographics in our community engaging in democracy.” 

The current Police and Crime commissioner who was standing up for re-election, Clive Grunsaw, said,“The response from the British Asian community to the PCC election has been very encouraging. They have been extremely engaged in the process.

"This is an example of their concerns and fears over some of the negative narrative in sections of the media and society, and also the willingness to do something positive to address the situation.”

Former Lancashire Police Superintendent Andy Pratt who is also the Conservative PCC candidate said, “The mosques and the wider Muslim community in Preston have taken the initiative to promote civic responsibility to ensure people get out and vote”. 

Faisal Riley is one of the co-coordinators of the local group added, “There are many mosques in Preston and the target was set at ‘1,000’ extra voters.

"It’s ambitious but by taking a mosque-by-mosque approach we’ve had a massive reach into the community. I think we’ll get near to it. Next year we hope to widen our reach and do better."