California

"As a career Navy veteran, the preservation of our Union and way of life is of the highest importance to me. Extremism in our politics is a threat to that way of life. Innovation in politics and voting reform will result in more moderate politicians that carry out the will of the people in a durable and fair manner."

John Marburger

U.S. Navy Veteran

"As a U.S. service member, it's important to me that our elected political leaders best represent the interests of the American people. As such, I support any measures that increase effectiveness and improve efficacy in our political processes in order to create a more representative democracy."

Zach Doherty

U.S. Marine Corps

"The United States has given the world to me- I have had the opportunity to see the world, improve the world, and chase my dreams. By continuing to innovate and improve our political system, we can ensure that future generations are given those opportunities. We do not need to follow the tragic precedent of other great societies that ultimately fell. The US was founded on political innovation - we are unique in every way. To continue to be the Land of the Free, we must continually innovate and improve."

Katie Landry

U.S. Marine Corps

"I'm motivated to work with VPI, because veterans are a uniquely respected group of citizens in America, of which I'm one. Our status as nonpartisan defenders of our Constitution is powerful. We can and should leverage that credibility to improve our democratic electoral processes. Improving on our currently failing electoral processes is critically important to the health and viability of the democratic principles outlined in the Preamble to America's Bill of Rights. I support nonpartisan efforts that create pathways for electoral competition that is responsive to voters at the ballot box. Partisan special interest money currently has an undemocratic influence over our nation's political apparatuses. The patriotism of veterans can be an effective force for the political innovation we desperately need now."

Dan McClain

U.S. Army

"The partisan divide in our nation deeply troubles me. Although there are a number of aggravating factors outside my control (hyper-partisan news, social media algorithms, misinformation), the electoral process feels like an area where local activism still matters. I hope to leverage the trust and respect of my "veteran" status to help lower the temperature, re-align the incentive structure(s), and ultimately, help a younger generation of serious leaders get into office."

John David (JD) Olsen

U.S. Navy Veteran

"I am not a veteran or affiliated with a specific branch of the military. I am very passionate about improving the way we elect our leaders in our country. My father and uncle both served in the military and I have always been a big supporter of the military. I believe leveraging our military in the fight for election reform is an excellent way for moving election reform forward and would like to be part of the team."

Mark Frahm

Military Supporter

"There is no denying that we cannot be apathetic regarding the current confusion, chaos and distress of our democratic system. There is not a single panacea, but instead many ways to help and improve just a little bit. I love what VAV is doing and feel that our organizations are aligned in a vision to help protect the core of the democracy that is the strength of America."

Will Scott

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

"The Democrat / Republican duopoly not only precludes meaningful solutions to the host of meaningful issues that America needs to solve. The application of business rules - let's call it market competition - can break that duopoly and bring more candidates, and solutions, to office."

Cherian Zachariah

U.S. Coast Guard Veteran