Database

The VPAP database is a "remarkable cyberplace" where "voters can learn more about candidates than reading their stump speeches."— The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot


The primary source of the VPAP database is an amalgam of public documents provided by numerous state and local government agencies. The VPAP database is primarily derived from campaign finance disclosure reports provided by the Virginia State Board of Elections and local voter registrars. It also includes lobbyist registration forms provided by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and personal financial statements that candidates file with the clerks of the House of Delegates and State Senate. VPAP would like to recognize officials at each of these agencies whose cooperation and commitment to open government makes this site possible.

The VPAP database is more than an accurate rendering of public records. VPAP adds value by assigning a unique ID to each person and organization. These IDs are used throughout the site, allowing for seamless navigation between campaign finance, lobbying, personal finances and election results. The VPAP staff tags the primary economic interest of each donor and identifies the purpose of every expense. This value-added work allows visitors to sort the information in ways that would be impossible with the primary source public documents.

VPAP updates the data throughout the year and makes the information available to voters in time to make informed decisions at the polls. Campaign contribution information is generally available within five to seven days of the filing deadline.

The VPAP database includes:

Candidates for State Office

  • Contributions from donors who have given more than $100 to candidates for reported by candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Virginia Senate, House of Delegates, and state political party committees, since 1996.

  • Expenditures by state candidates, state political parties and leadership committees since 2000.

  • Gifts/Trips reported by General Assembly members since 2001.

  • Candidates' personal financial holdings since 2006.

  • Election Results since 1996.

PACs

  • All contributions made by PACs to state candidates since 1996.

  • Contributions of $500 or more received by non-candidate political committees since 2005.

Lobbyists

  • Lobbyist Registrations since 2006.

Candidates for Local Office

  • Counties of Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William since 1999.

  • City of Roanoke since 2006.

  • City of Richmond since 2004.

  • Other Localities since 2007.

The VPAP database does not include information about candidates for federal office. For information about candidates for Congress, visit the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics.