YALLA VOTE ‘08 Our Voice. Our Future.

From grass roots to grass top, from local elections to the presidential campaigns, Arab Americans are making their voices heard. The Arab American Institute’s Yalla Vote campaign hosted an incredibly successful Kabob-BQ in Virginia on the last Saturday in July, with an amazing turnout from Arab Americans and local and national campaigns.

The event gave Arab Americans in Virginia an opportunity to directly interact with local—and national— campaigns. Keith Fimian, Republican candidate for Virginia’s 11^th District, asked attendees how he can better serve his Arab American constituents, and paid close attention to the issues that are important to us. We gave Fimian a copy of our Declaration, and impressed upon him the importance of speaking to our issues.

We were even more thrilled when the GOP and the McCain campaign sent the Chair of the Virginia Republican Party on their behalf. Accompanying him was Arab American David-Iman Ramadan. We are all delighted to see the Republican Party give our community much deserved attention.

Let us keep reminding the candidates that our community is an important component in any strategy to win. Both parties must listen — our voices must be heard.