Rashida Tlaib is one step closer to becoming the first Muslim female member of the United States Congress. With almost all ballots counted, Tlaib led all candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. Tuesday’s primary election decides who will be on the ballot in November’s general election. However, since there is no Republican or other candidates, Tlaib will be unopposed in November. Ahlam Jbara lives in Chicago, six hours away by car from the Michigan congressional district in the city of Detroit. But she thought the Tlaib campaign was so important that she traveled all that way to be part of it. She said she identified closely with the candidate. “As a Muslim American, as an Arab American, as a Palestinian American…I’m her, she’s me.” Across the country, about 90 Muslim Americans are on ballots for elected office during this year’s elections.

What does ballot mean?
to travel internationally
to be a member of an institution
to swim very fast
a process of voting, in writing and typically in secret
She will be what in November?
unopposed
tired
voted out
retired
She said she definitely identified closely with the candidate.
argued
shared a meal
identified
shopped