First Team

Olsen lends support to DC Vote initiative

Ben Olsen

For more than a decade, D.C. United iconic midfielder-turned-manager has called the District his home. From the quaint neighborhoods to the diverse culture, Olsen has often made known his affection for the Nation's Capital. This Fall, Olsen is making his first political statement as a District resident, throwing his support behind DC Vote.


Founded in 1998, DC Vote is an award-winning organization dedicated to securing full voting representation in Congress and full democracy for the more than half a million residents of the District of Columbia. Americans living in our nation's capital pay full federal taxes, fight and die in wars and serve on juries, but are denied voting representation in the House and the Senate. While DC residents have an elected mayor and city council, all locally passed laws and the local budget must be to Congress for review and approval. In many cases, Congress overrules decisions of the local government. DC Vote is working to end this injustice and to protect DC's local democracy.


"I have lived in this city since 2000 and I am proud to call it my home," said Olsen. “I, along with my family, friends, and every other District resident, should have a voice when it comes to matters that affect each of us on a daily basis."


Olsen is featured prominently in an ad campaign promoting the fight to end 'Taxation without Representation' for those living in the District. The ads are to be primarily displayed on busses and in bus shelters around the city. Olsen also has plans to attend the group's Champions of Democracy dinner later this month.


For more information on the initiative and the organization's activities, visit dcvote.org