The political terrain in Virginia has shifted significantly since the 1990s. The evolving demographic landscape has been most significant in the northern part of the Commonwealth. Northern Virginia’s diversity and vote-rich suburbs have experienced rapid urbanization to become the socio-cultural and economic epicenter of the state.  Northern Virginia has become the home to a diverse group of residents.  In terms of ethnic minority groups, immigrants from Central and South America, Asia, East Africa, and a range of immigrants from the Middle East have developed ethnic enclaves, or communities, in the area.  Businesses that have established roots in the area – primarily due to its proximity to Washington, DC - have also attracted low-income workers and contributed to the changing landscape of the area.  The intersection of growth, massive immigration, and economic development has led to increased social and economic pressures that call for greater civic engagement and dialogue about how to manage issues while ensuring that all voices in these communities are heard.

In 2008, VNM engaged over 50,000 voters in Fairfax County and Prince William County in Northern Virginia.  Our 2009 voter engagement work expands into the Richmond/Petersburg areas of Central Virginia and Norfolk and Hampton Roads in Tidewater Virginia, totaling 175,000 voters!

The 2009 voter engagement work supported progressive candidates through issue-based "hard-ID programs" in three major regions of the Commowealth- Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, and Tidewater. In Northern Virginia, VNM contacted 75,000 households of color throughout Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Arlington County, Prince William County, Manassas Park, Manassas City, and Alexandria City.

As we move forward in 2010, we will continue to carry the message of strengthening communities through participatory rather than divisive politics in local campaigns throughout the state, as well as continue our informed voter engagement program in Fairfax County and Prince William County, leading up to the November 2010 elections.