YALLA VOTE ‘08 Our Voice. Our Future.

With the November election looming and the candidates in a dead heat in Virginia, the impact of a pronounced Arab American turnout is now more significant than ever. According to a recent poll conducted by the Washington Post-ABC News (see the Washington Post article, “Obama, McCain in Tight Race in Va., Poll Shows“), Barack Obama leads John McCain 49%-46% among Virginia voters with a 4% margin of error. The state is up for grabs right now, and Arab Americans need to get out the vote in this key state come November.

Though traditionally a Republican-voting state, Virginia’s recent political and demographic activity now suggests otherwise. Democrat Jim Webb’s 2006 Senate win over incumbent Republican George Allen proved that the voting model for Virginia is changing. With an influx of minority ethnic groups, particularly in North Virginia, both candidates have taken to courting the increasingly important minority vote.

The Arab American Institute is hosting Candidate Nights and Issue Forums in key states across the country.  Please come join us at our 20th Annual Virginia Candidates Night on Sunday, October 5, 2008, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. For complete details, click here.

Swing states Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Michigan make up 30% of Arab American votes. Arab Americans make up 2% of Virginia voters, and if the recent survey is of any indication, it will be a crucial vote indeed.

How many times over the course of the 2008 political campaign have we heard the phrase “Middle East oil?” Candidates for office at the federal (and even state levels) have promised to end U.S. reliance on Middle East oil, with the danger varying from the potential instability of the region to “oil wealth funding terrorists.”

Such statements demonstrate both ignorance about the U.S. energy equation and the intention to score political points at the expense of Arab Americans. Here are a few useful facts from the U.S. government. Use them well….
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