Veterans Leading the Fight for a More Responsive Democracy

Share

Link copied!

An enterprising group of United States military veterans are leading the charge to make our democracy more responsive to everyday Americans. Veterans for All Voters (VAV) is a new Blank Foundation grantee that represents a diverse community of veterans united by a shared belief that the American people deserve something better than the current state of politics. VAV exists to unleash the civic leadership potential of the veteran community in pursuit of structural reforms that seek to make our democracy more representative, competitive and responsive to voters. Through education, advocacy and leadership, VAV is ensuring that every American’s voice is heard.

In 2025, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation awarded VAV a $800,000 two-year grant to support its mission of empowering military veterans to educate the public about structural reforms that increase competition, reduce polarization and make our government more effective for everyone.

Alberto Ramos, VAV’s Chief Executive Officer, participated in a Q&A with the foundation and shared more about the organization’s mission and goals.

Q: VAV’s mission states that “American democracy should live up to the service and sacrifice of those who defended it.” Where do you see the biggest gap between that ideal and today’s reality?

A: Veterans who raised their right hand, put on a uniform, crossed oceans and fought tyranny abroad have found themselves shut out of democracy here at home. That’s simply wrong. Many veterans are unable to vote in primary elections that determine most races because they are registered as ‘independents’ or ‘unaffiliated’ voters, which renders them ineligible to participate. These rules discourage participation and disenfranchise our service members. Taxpayer-funded elections should not be treated like private clubs. Veterans earned a say in the country’s future that they sacrificed so much to secure. And no American should be forced to join a party to vote in a public election.

Q: Why are veterans uniquely positioned to lead this fight for democracy reform?

A: There’s a growing body of research showing that Americans have lost trust in nearly every major institution—except the veteran and military-connected community. Veterans remain one of the few trusted voices in public life today.

We come from every background—different races, religions, and political perspectives—and we know what it means to trust teammates who see the world differently but still have your back. And when we take off the uniform, we stay engaged. Veterans participate in civic life at far higher rates than our civilian counterparts. We’re teachers, faith leaders, small business owners, Little League coaches, neighbors and loved ones.

Veterans aren’t just part of the American story—we are the fabric of it. That trust and deep community connection uniquely position us to lead the fight for a healthier democracy.

Q: VAV’s strategy starts with “Build Deep Relationships, Earn Trust” and emphasizes “deep listening” and “hyper-localized” approaches. In this polarized moment, how do you create space for productive conversations about democracy reform?

A: Our nation’s Founders believed self-government depends on trust between neighbors—a social contract we choose as members of a free society. They didn’t build a system from the top down; they designed one that grows from the bottom up. And it’s no coincidence that many of those Founders wore the uniform. They understood that durable trust is earned face-to-face, and that trust makes even the most challenging missions possible.

That’s the spirit we carry at VAV. We begin by listening—really listening—to what people see in their schools, churches, city councils and daily lives. When veterans lead these conversations, they help lower the temperature. They remind everyone that citizenship isn’t about partisanship; it’s about shared responsibility and stewardship of our democracy.

Q: When VAV enters a new community, how do you identify and recruit veteran leaders, and what tools do you give them to drive local impact?

A: We start by looking for local veterans who are already serving their communities—people with strong personal and professional networks, natural connectors who bring others together and who care deeply about our country. We have several recruitment channels, but our volunteers will always be our best recruiters.

Once they join us, we equip them with training, storytelling tools and simple, actionable ways to make an impact. They host forums, meet with lawmakers, write op-eds and engage their neighbors. Over time, those individual efforts weave together—town by town, state by state—into a living network that grows from the ground up.

Q: VAV is working on multiple reform approaches. How do you decide which reform to pursue in which community? Is it more opportunistic or strategic?

A: In some places, our veterans are driving momentum for open primaries. In others, the most immediate opportunities involve protecting mail-in voting for military families or defending local freedom to use instant runoffs. We assess each situation carefully, examining whether a reform has a credible path to passage, clear local demand from voters, strong in-state partners, and a sound legal framework.

If the reform expands voter participation, increases real competition and ensures that winners are accountable to a true majority, we help that community move it forward. That’s what a healthy, participatory democracy looks like.

Q: What does an American democracy that truly “lives up to the service and sacrifice” of veterans actually look like?

A: If we succeed, politics will finally start working for people again. When leaders have to earn every vote, they start paying attention to the things families actually discuss around the kitchen table – food, housing, safety and so on. Elections that are fair and competitive force leaders to solve real problems. A healthy democracy is one where trust grows because citizens see tangible results that improve their lives. It’s where our veterans’ service and sacrifice are honored not with words, but with a government that listens, works and delivers.

Q: What keeps you going on hard days? What gives you hope?

A: I draw strength from the veterans in my life. I’m lucky to work alongside an incredible community at VAV. And, unsurprisingly, I have many veterans in my personal life as well — my brother, old shipmates and lifelong friends.

There are also veterans I’ll never meet who still look out for my family and yours. They keep showing up for their neighbors, a constant reminder that our democracy is built by ordinary acts of selfless service repeated over and over again. Seeing veterans step forward again gives me immense hope. I hope it gives you hope, too.

This grant aligns with the foundation’s Democracy strategy to strengthen effective, constructive and responsible leadership at the state level. Ensuring that democracy works for everyone who calls America home is at the heart of this giving area. Through this partnership with VAV, the foundation is helping ensure that those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country can continue to shape its future as active and trusted civic leaders.