In 2008, Timothy Baker watched alongside the rest of America as a high-drama election season unfolded, fraught with a dizzying array of attack ads and limited choices. Rather than brushing off his frustrations about the state of the modern political process, he began drawing up plans to launch a startup he now calls America's Ticket.
The web-based platform, set to launch nationwide in summer 2020, will provide a hub for ordinary citizens aspiring to run for office as well as active voters who want to ensure their voices are heard.
"Our objective is to empower voters and give citizens a chance to compete and run for office," said Baker.
Many citizens considering running for office ultimately forgo the process because they lack political access or funding, Baker noted. America's Ticket will work to reverse that trend, allowing individuals to launch campaigns even if they don’t have financial backing or support from an established political party.
The platform also aims to cut through the confusion many voters experience when attempting to choose a candidate that aligns with their values. Rather than having to read through dozens of pages of information detailing candidates’ policy positions, voters will be able to access a convenient quiz-based tool that narrows down the top three to five candidates that best represent their views.
Baker said that any citizen serious about seeking elective office will have the opportunity to use the platform and its resources by paying a low-cost registration and subscription fee.
After signing up, prospective officeholders will be prompted to set up a website, create an introduction video and communicate their ideas to constituents. Registrants will also have the opportunity to connect with professional coaches, CPAs and attorneys who specialize in helping political candidates.
In addition, candidates will gain access to updated constituent data, which America’s Ticket collects internally by carrying out polling initiatives. Those seeking office will be able to ask their voters questions directly on the platform and fundraising and marketing tools will also be accessible.
Baker said the startup will support increased transparency in the political process.
"Many people may support a candidate because they agree with their platform, but once that person gets into office, they may vote differently," he said. "We overlay what the position of the candidate is, and voters can see if the person they supported did what they expected or not."
On the flip side, candidates have the opportunity to defend their voting record by interacting with constituents directly. The format gives officeholders unique opportunities to address voters' concerns without having to communicate through third-party organizations.
"Where I think we stand out is that we're not influenced by any political parties, special interests, big corporations or media,” Baker explained. “We're really looking out for the voters and helping aspiring candidates have the opportunity to run a successful campaign and communicate with their constituents in real time.”
The company’s creation has been several years in the making. Baker and the company’s co-founder, Philip Search, took breaks from the project for several years to focus on other endeavors. After drafting up initial plans for the startup, Baker shifted gears to co-found biotech device company GOGO Band, while Search took a position as a political campaign manager for a Virginia state senator.
"America's Ticket will ultimately change the political process by providing more choice and a more competitive level for candidates."
Now ready to move full speed ahead in their quest to launch America’s Ticket, Baker and Search have already garnered more than $200,000 in investments, they said. Their ultimate goal is to secure $1 million in funding to get the project fully off the ground in time for the next major election cycle.
Moving forward, Baker envisions his company making a significant impact on American political culture. He hopes his efforts will help restore the ideals of George Washington, who was adamant that Americans have sufficient options whenever they cast their ballots.
"America's Ticket will ultimately change the political process by providing more choice and a more competitive level for candidates," he said. "We want to transform politics."
