Islam encourages Muslims to have a positive and interactive role in their communities, especially in non-Muslim countries where people need to know about Islam and its tolerant teachings in today’s world. Refraining from voting is nothing more than a defeat for Muslims, who are not supposed to isolate themselves. Rather, they should rise to the situation and come out from their cocoons.
Sheikh Mohamed El-Moctar El-Shinqiti, Director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, states the following: According to the juristic rule, the action of the Prophet implies at least permissibility, and his leaving (that is, not doing something) does not necessarily mean that it is forbidden. To say that such and such is haram since the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not do it is not a good way of reasoning.
Voting for a non-Muslim candidate who would serve the Muslim community in the country and deal with Muslim countries on the basis of justice and fairness is not only permissible but required. It is the responsibility of the Muslim minorities in non-Muslim democratic countries to participate in public life, including voting and financing campaigns in order to be able to positively influence the political decision in these countries.