Elizabeth Melson

Experience and Accomplishments

My name is Elizabeth Melson and I am running  State Senate, as an Independent, in Virginia's 28th district.

I have extensive experience in grassroots organizing and citizen advocacy for good governance reforms, regenerative agriculture and consumer sovereignty, sentencing reform, rights restoration, and I have advocated for meaningful programming in our corrections systems.

I've been elected or appointed to state-wide boards, including time on Virginia Farmers Market Association and Virginia Hemp Coalition boards. I am co-founder and former President of FairVote Virginia. Most recently, I was appointed to Rappahannock County Board of Social Services. I know my way around the General Assembly and US Congress and have made connections with electeds and non-partisan leaders all across Virginia and the US.

Occupation and Fun Fact

My occupation is a Farm and Farmers Market Manager and a Yoga Instructor. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors gardening, hiking, training with my dogs, cheering my daughter on at soccer games and equestrian activities, and family travel.

Issues I Care About

Small Businesses First (Business)

Small businesses are the heartbeat of the towns and villages of Senate District 28. Over-regulation and over-taxation makes it hard for small businesses to thrive in Virginia. Our Commonwealth should not create monopolies. Out-of-state corporate cannabis has been given an unfair advantage in Virginia's medical marijuana program, at the expense of family owned hemp wellness industry. Recent policy has been created that extinguishes one industry, so that another can profit unfairly. 

Good Governance & Increased Competition (Electoral Reform)

Serving as an elected official should not become a career. I believe government can be improved with a few non-partisan reforms; such as campaign finance limits, term limits, ranked choice voting, ethics measures, & transparency. We can improve ballot access for minor & emerging parties. Just as competition in business is good, so is the free exchange of ideas.

Criminal Justice Reform   (Drugs)

We need alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders. Most low-level offenders need mental health access, behavioral modification, and recovery. Warehousing people without meaningful programming is a waste of taxpayer dollars. 

Addiction Is Illness (Drugs)

Substance abuse and alcohol disorders require treatment and a trauma-informed approach to healing. The antidote to addiction is connection and community. 

Safe-Legal-Rare (Abortion)

There are unspeakable things that happen to women and children. Because of that reality, access to emergency contraception and abortion should not be penalized. Human reproduction is also complex. There are circumstances that may require intervention, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Women should not have to risk dying from infection or ruptured organs, because of government policy that makes resolving these scenarios, prolonged or unsafe. From a moral standpoint, we imperfect humans must leave the passing of judgement to God.

Require Voter ID & Supporting Our Registars and Election Staff (Electoral Reform)

Some form of ID or verification should be required to vote. This, plus verifiable paper ballots, adds safeguards to our elections. Adjusting the window for mailed ballots to be received by election day can help our election staff to tabulate election results sooner. We must also support our Registrars & Election Staff.  False information and negative influencers have sown doubt in our systems and have created hostile work environments for staff that play a critical role in ensuring secure and fair elections.

Legalize Cannabis (Drugs)

Cannabis is medicine. Even when used recreationally, the consumer gets some benefit to their wellness. The US government lied to "we the people" for a very long time. We deserve access to this miraculous plant in all of its forms, whether high THC or high CBD. There should be no felony penalties for possession of cannabis.

Defend 2nd Amendment (Guns)

As a woman, mother, and person responsible for multiple businesses, I choose to conceal carry. I will defend your right to responsibly bear arms.