What is By the Ballot?
Unapologetic dispatches from the New South’s next generation of Democrats. Commentary on stances, tactics, and news on the Left. We don’t claim to know everything or always be right, we just want to be a part of the conversation.
While there’s many different ways to power and the Right wants to take over our country by hook or by crook, we want to help Democrats help Americans by making a government for the people by the ballot.
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Who is Matt Royer?
Matt Royer is a seasoned political strategist, campaign manager, and digital communications expert with over a decade of experience advancing progressive causes through field organizing, paid media, and youth leadership development. He currently serves as 2nd Vice Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit Presidents within the Young Democrats of America (YDA) and as President Emeritus of the Virginia Young Democrats (VAYD).
Matt’s campaign experience spans every level of the field—from volunteer management to statewide program design. He has organized in rural, suburban, and urban communities and successfully trained hundreds of young activists on field strategy, voter contact, and campaign infrastructure.
Previously, as Chief of Staff of YDA and Communications Director of YDA, Matt advised national leadership, helped plan 8 National Committee meetings (both in person and virtual) and 2 national conventions, revamped digital fundraising, supported over 45 chartered units across the country, led national press operations, and built a cohesive messaging strategy around the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential. He was also a member of both the Steering and Central Committees of the Democratic Party of Virginia from 2020 - 2025.
In the digital media world, Matt brings professional experience from multiple political agencies since 2016, where he developed and executed multi-million dollar paid media plans, including digital-first content for social platforms and Connected TV. His ability to blend analytics with authentic storytelling has shaped winning strategies for clients across the political spectrum.
Matt is also a frequent political analyst and commentator, with appearances in major national and regional outlets including The Washington Post, NewsNation, The Nation, Fox News, The Independent, DC News Now, and DCUSA. His analysis focuses on youth voting, campaign strategy, and Democratic messaging.
From knocking doors to national comms to on-air punditry, Matt’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to coalition-building, empowering young people, and delivering durable wins for working families.
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