Friends,

My name is Aaron Marquez and I’m proud to be on the frontlines of the fight to win back power in Arizona this November with Forward Majority.

Arizona Republicans have presided over one of the worst outbreaks of the coronavirus in the world and passed some of the worst voter suppression measures in the country. Now’s our chance to hold them accountable.

As a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and 2016, I have dedicated my life to public service and defending the values that make our democracy strong. We launched VetsForward, a project of Forward Majority, as a continuation of that public service today—mobilizing U.S. military veterans and reaching voters in the key battleground's most essential turf—as our democracy faces challenges from the GOP’s gerrymandering and voter suppression.

I wanted to share with you how we’re fighting back with a quick update on our work in the past and present here in Arizona:

BEFORE THE PANDEMIC:

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Before the pandemic, we organized groups of veterans to go door-to-door in key parts of the state to have long, personal conversations with key leaning Republicans about the American values we fought for in the military.

It’s not easy to change a voter’s mind. However, VICE recently highlighted how our “deep canvassing” operations made critical inroads in tough GOP turf before the pandemic: “When deep canvassing works, it doesn't just improve a campaign's vote total, but exposes someone to a different perspective.”

NOW DURING THE PANDEMIC:

Given the coronavirus pandemic, VetsForward shifted gears. Huge new community needs have erupted across Arizona with skyrocketing unemployment, families staying at home with no childcare, and seniors especially avoiding grocery stores and other public places. Instead of deep canvassing, we partnered with a local Arizona food bank to deliver food to those in need. There’s a time for politics and there’s a time to lend a helping hand.

We’re proud to continue to serve our fellow Americans and look forward to resuming our deep canvassing operations once safe to do so. In the meantime, we’re also building our volunteer base and exploring new digital actions and organizing tactics, like texting, to continue to reach key constituencies in Arizona.

If you’re able, chip in to help us expand our programs in the lead up to November. $20 could help us deploy our veteran voices online before the most consequential election of the decade.

The oath I took when I joined the Army to support and defend the Constitution never expires. I couldn't be more proud to continue this fight at a critical moment for our country.

Appreciate all your support.

In service,