For Muslims in the USA, can we vote for non-Muslims at election time?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

As a basic rule, a Muslim should not elect a Kaafir (disbeliever). Electing a Kaafir means that one has approved of a Kaafir to be his guardian and his ruler, and Allaah Says in this regard (what means): {O you who believe, take not as protectors and allies those who take your religion for a mockery and fun from among those who received the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before you, nor from among the disbelievers; and fear Allaah if you indeed are true believers.}[Quran 5:57]

However, in the current circumstances in those countries where there is no Muslim candidate and the Muslim vote bank is not in a position to turn the results of elections and if not participating in voting would not effect the procedure badly by causing some disturbance, then they could participate in elections to elect a better candidate who helps them in their matters against the one who is not so. Especially if they do not vote in this election the elected person might not pay any attention to them.

But it should be noted that the Muslims should not intend to elect a Kaafir as a ruler over them.

Allaah Knows best.