# Page 2 | NGP VAN Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 2 - Is NGP VAN the right Political Campaign solution for you? Explore 62 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/148396/NGP-VAN/reviews --- NGP VAN 4.2 (62) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/148396/NGP-VAN/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Page 2 - Reviews of NGP VAN ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 62 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use CZ Carolynn Z. Candidate Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Review from a Red District" April 12, 2023 3.0 As a Candidate in a very small dollar campaign with a district hundreds of miles in size, it was invaluable to have a tool like NPG VAN that also syncs to the phone app Pros Can access the entire district, create large lists and then add filters to get more targeted results Cons Unfortunately some information is outdated, and the lack of email addresses (especially when so many are registered for VBM and have provided them to the SOE's) and the unreliable phone data is a hindrance. Reason for choosing NGP VAN The sync tool with the phone app is a game-changer for collecting field data from canvassing teams Review Source Response from Bonterra May 4, 2023 Hi Carolynn, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with NGP VAN. It's great to hear that you found our sync tool with the phone app to be a game-changer for collecting field data from canvassing teams. We want to make sure that our platform is accessible and useful for campaigns of all sizes, and we're so glad that it was helpful for your small dollar campaign. I'm sorry to hear that you've come across some outdated information and issues with email addresses and phone data. The database that you use (VoteBuilder) relies on source file information our client obtains from the various states. The file is updated on an ongoing basis, with some fields' updates receiving greater frequency. We will always work with you if certain data is flagged as missing or incorrect, so you can obtain or correct it from the source. Specific examples are always helpful. If you are interested in receiving more support on this, please lease contact our customer support team at support@ngpvan.com. One thing to keep in mind, email addresses are not provided on our site; they are added by users on the front end, since all of our email tools are opt-in. Thank you so much for choosing NGP VAN, and we really appreciate your feedback as we continue to improve our platform. Best wishes, Kathleen CA Cliff A. Commission Area Leader Civic & Social Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "VAN from a Precinct Chair Leader point of view" November 10, 2023 3.0 I am continually looking for new Precinct Chairs and VAN is critical in this search. Pros Ability to find potential activists and volunteers. Ability to see how reliable a voter a person is. Ability to see how the person identifies themself. Cons It can be difficult to learn. It makes it harder to train new Precinct Chairs when different levels of users see different views of VAN. For example, I do not understand why Precinct Chairs cannot see Scores. Review Source SY Sara Y. Special Assistant & Operations Associate Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "NGP VAN is essential for every political NGO" October 6, 2021 4.0 For all its quirks and issues, NGP VAN is pretty great. It may not be the most efficient way to store data, lookup key metrics, or conduct political outreach but almost every progressive organization in the business uses this software, so I highly recommend it to anyone hoping to get in the game, so to speak. I personally have been using the platform since my first job out of college. Pros I love that it is a one stop shop for all things essential to a political/nonprofit campaign. From donor tracking, volunteer management, and event planning, NGP VAN can do just about anything. I like that if I am searching for demographic data, then I can source that information from the software almost instantly, which in turn can provide reliable metrics to our paid media team for use of digital tactics, as an example. Cons I am not a fan of NGP VAN's customer support. With this platform, I believe that having a person on the line to walk me through this CRM would be a blessing. They have a VANuel on their support page but I don't think it is enough. I would appreciate it if they added videos or tutorials for some of the basics for junior staff. Review Source CC Carmela C. Chair Political Organization Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Keep up with Compliance Requriments!" April 28, 2023 4.0 Pros NGP VAN contains LOTS of useful tools for a local political organization. I like the homepage, and updating activist information is easy. Cons We rely on NGP VAN as our primary tool for complying with the state regulatory authority. When the state regulatory changed its systems in March 2023, NGP VAN's form populator started injecting nonsensical data. Manual override is difficult to implement, and it has nearly overwhelmed our treasurer (a volunteer). Customer support blames the state regulatory authority, while offering no solutions or even a timeline for expected solutions. We're approaching the start of the third month of this frustration. We need better from NGP VAN. Review Source JP Janice P. Paralegal Public Relations and Communications Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great product but needs diligence to keep updated" May 7, 2023 4.0 Overall good experience, and absolutely essential for political campaigns. Pros I like the ease of researching voters and designating turfs for campaign. Cons It seems in there is some updating required as there are many disconnected numbers or wrong numbers. Reason for choosing NGP VAN N/a Review Source gS gary S. retired Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "NPG VAN is essential for political campaign" August 4, 2022 3.0 Useful, but difficult to learn. I still make phone calls to more experienced users when I do something new with it. Pros The data is useful and updated in a timely way. Entering data is adequate, manipulating data is good. (But learning curve to use it is steep.) --- Mini Van is easy for a novice user to begin using it quickly, with little training. Unpaid volunteers are important to campaigns, the software needs to be easy to use to keep them volunteering. Cons There is a steep learning curve on how to use NPG VAN. Training is inadequate. To successfully learn to use it needs someone who has been using it to do the individual training, we are counting on the goodwill of others. --- Mini-VAN has trouble with the map function, suddenly all the voters residences often disappear from the map. this happens at least 3 times during a 2 hour canvass. It's frustrating. We rely on unpaid volunteers, any frustration means they may not come and volunteer again. Review Source AS Anthony S. Executive Director Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Van the invaluable tool to electoril success" November 16, 2023 5.0 I've been using the van since forever and haave had a positive experience, usung the produt and if there were any opportunites, I could just call up the team and have it resolved Pros Easeof use and the to teach others to grow your capacity Cons Doesn't have a dog emoji, sounds sill but very important in the islands Review Source AB Ant B. 2nd Vice Chair; Texting Administrator Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mobile Messaging " April 12, 2023 3.0 Pros Bulk Upload Feature Wizard Function yes. Cons Maine Democratic Party needs mobile messaging to send bulk texts with opt-out and data sync functionality. Review Source Response from Bonterra May 4, 2023 Hi Ant, We're sorry to hear about your experience with our product and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We take customer feedback seriously and are committed to making things right. It sounds like it could help you to hear more about our Mobile Messaging capabilities. Can you please explain, in detail, what happened so we can take the necessary steps to improve our mobile messaging? We would like to ensure that our customers have a positive experience using our product, and your feedback can help us achieve this goal. Please contact our customer support team at support@ngpvan.com. Thank you for your patience and understanding! We hope to have the opportunity to turn your experience around and make things right for you. Best regards, Kathleen Connelly LJ Lissa J. Precinct chair Political Organization Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Enthusiastic VAN User" April 20, 2023 5.0 Most recently we are using VAN to support local candidates in the upcoming May 6 election. We are using it to generate lists for block walking, text campaigns, postcard campaigns, and phone banking. Pros As a volunteer political activist, I find VAN invaluable in every aspect. We use it to identify like-minded voters in our relational outreach campaigns. It is robust and easy to use. The support staff is knowledgeable and responds quickly whenever I have a question. Cons I'm having a hard time thinking of anything I don't like. I personally find it easy to use but I suppose users who skew older might think it's a little complicated. But their support staff is great, so that shouldn't be a problem. Review Source Response from Bonterra April 27, 2023 Hey Lissa, Thank you for sharing your positive experience with VAN! It's really great to know that it has been so valuable in your work as a political activist. We appreciate your kind words about our support staff and we'll continue to provide prompt assistance to our users. Your feedback about older users finding the system complicated is noted and we'll work on improving our platform's user-friendliness for all demographics. We're glad to hear that VAN has been helpful in supporting local candidates for the upcoming election, and we hope to continue contributing to your efforts. Thanks for taking the time to write this review; it means a lot to us. We wish you all the best in your future campaigns and endeavors. Stay awesome! :) Kathleen EN Eric N. President Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "So Many Billing Issues" February 6, 2024 3.0 Pros The actual features of the program are fine. I do wish that it was easier to resend emails to non-openers of previous emails. Cons The billing situation has been a mess for years. Sometimes invoices sent, other times not before credit card is charged. Issues with multiple billings for same account. Review Source Response from Bonterra February 8, 2024 Hi Eric, it's good to hear that you're enjoying the features of NGP VAN. Thank you for your candid feedback regarding our billing process. We'll be sure to pass this along - your experience is our top priority! MD Mary D. Chairwoman Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Voter Database for Democrats" January 23, 2023 5.0 I am using VAN to win elections. Pros Comprehensive and historical information about voters Cons A little clunky to learn to use - not intuitive; must take notes to learn and practice. Review Source LW Lynn W. Principal Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Need to increase functionality" April 18, 2023 4.0 Pros Not much, the data is outdated many times because other users aren't updating and saving their responses. System needs to be tied in directly to Secretary of State updates in each state. Cons Not enough cross tabs to micro target by race, or economic status Review Source Response from Bonterra May 4, 2023 Hey there! Thanks for leaving your review. I totally understand where you're coming from - having accurate and up-to-date data is really important, as is the ability to micro target your audience. For some data points, like phones and mailing addresses, the information is updated on a frequent basis, whereas entire voting address/voting roll updates (new voters added, old voters dropped, etc.) are done more periodically. Unfortunately, the various Secretaries of State are unlikely to ever allow a real-time sync to public voter roll data, mostly out of an abundance of caution for cybersecurity. With that said, we are always happy to work with America Votes to assist you with any Michigan-specific information you believe the file should contain. If you would like more support in this, please contact our customer support team at support@ngpvan.com. We truly appreciate your feedback! Best, Kathleen DM Daisy M. Director Civic & Social Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Voter info but limited" November 16, 2023 4.0 Pros Generally has good VAN has the state voter information. Cons VAN does not have all voter information and sometimes information is incorrect. Review Source Response from Bonterra January 10, 2024 Thank you for your review, Daisy! We are so happy to hear that NGP VAN is helping you obtain the voter information you need. We appreciate your feedback on your data accuracy and committed to your success. I'll be sure to share these with our product team. Thank you for being an NGP VAN customer. JT Jeremy T. Candidate Political Organization Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Single person small campaign got good value" November 9, 2023 5.0 I enjoyed using it once I was comfortable with it. Pros Once you figured out the interface and how it all works it's a powerful tool for identifying your targeted audience. It made it easier to coordinate volunteers and see what their status was for work getting done. Cons Took awhile to figure out the interface. It's definitely not for the tech-disinclined and you have to look at it through a certain point of view. Review Source MR Margaret R. Treasurer Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Why I use NGP Van" July 20, 2022 4.0 I'm pretty pleased with NGP overall. However, one of my Campaign Finance Reports had multiple statutory warnings that where correctly entered in NGP. Pros I use NGP Van because of the ease of uploading the ActBlue donations, and the easy Campaign Finance Report filing. I am the Treasurer for four State Representative Candidates and a State Political Organization. I would not be a Candidate Treasurer unless we would use NGP VAN. I find the support team very responsive and knowledgable about the product. Cons I would like to have more instruction when filling out the Cycles and Limits as well as the Disclosure Report itself. Review Source JG Jennifer G. Chief of Staff Political Organization Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "We need some customer service, please." July 20, 2022 4.0 Pros Integration into systems has been beneficial. Cons Customer Service is dearly lacking and we've gotten no response to our inquiries in MONTHS. Also the online fundraising form is not as convenient as Act Blue. Alternatives considered [Mailchimp](https://www.capterra.com/p/110228/MailChimp/) Reason for choosing NGP VAN Integration capabilities. Review Source KP Kirk P. Treasurer Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A County Committee Review" November 9, 2023 5.0 Pros Texas Democratic Party makes VAN available accessible to county committees. Cons Can't create a list using only VANID or StateFileID. Review Source JT John T. Chair Civic & Social Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "List expiration date" November 17, 2023 4.0 Everything is great except the expiring lists Pros I love being able to pull up lists of voters when I need them Cons A bunch of our lists expired in the middle of our campaign. Lists should not expire until after election day - I wrote software for years at giant financial firms, and in my opinion, any voter contact system that expires a voter list before election day was designed by absolute dopes! Fix this. Review Source Response from Bonterra December 1, 2023 Hi John, thank you for your feedback on our voter lists. We appreciate your positive rating, and are sorry to hear we missed the mark for your needs. I have promptly forwarded your thoughts onto the relevant team members. Please know that we take your feedback seriously and are committed to your success. Thank you for being an NGP VAN customer. EG Eric G. Analyst Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Just a user" November 17, 2023 4.0 Pros Complete list of voters Dem Support Scores are useful Cons I know data is in there, but there should be better ways to get them out. Review Source NL Natalie L. City of Dunkirk Councilwoman Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I definitely use for my campaign" January 26, 2023 5.0 My experience has been good and it was used by me quite often. How do I gain access again? Pros The fact I could put a walk list, transfer it, to my mobile phone. I no longer have to use paper during a campaign, when out literature dropping or visiting people door to door. Cons I have not been able to access it lately, and my colleagues have not as well. Is there a reason for this? I am upset as campaign season is here! Review Source JJ Josie J. Designated VAN person Civic & Social Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Let's Keep it simple" October 13, 2022 4.0 Pros The data is reliable and necessary in projecting outcomes. Cons Instructions are vague and seem to need to be updated. Review Source PA Peter A. Trainer and Precinct Committee Officer Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I've been happily involved with VOTEBUILDER since Washington Started using it" August 4, 2022 5.0 Campaign organizing Pros It's the only software that when you see a change has been made that the change will be enjoyable and useful Cons No problems. I teach people to use VB. A primer on the "My Campaign" side with examples would be useful. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Boss, Just Plain Retired Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "I am a contributor to many campaigns. I receive NGP VAN generated materials." January 16, 2018 1.0 As the recipient of solicitations, I receive absolutely sterile, predictable solicitations with no way to establish meaningful personal contact with the candidate. I hate the tie-in with Act Blue. I feel as if I am being manipulated. Pros It is formula generated. I recognize that it solves numerous problems for the candidate, It obviously provides ease of use and scalability. Cons I am the potential donor/supporter. Once I pull the switch, I am on NGP VAN's mailing list forever. This list is evidently tied in with Act Blue. I have received as many as 40 solicitations a day with Act Blue's fingerprints on them. I routinely block further solicitations from that candidate no matter how worthwhile the individual's candidacy. I really feel as if I am being manipulated; I hate it. Review Source CM Chris M. data manager Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Data with Curious Gate-keeping" January 10, 2023 5.0 Several of the data reports I have tried to extract have required administrator approval. I later found ways to get what I wanted without waiting for his attention. I wish that VAN had context-appropriate help when I try to do something. Pros Access to info about every voter. Cons Trying to figure out how to do things. Review Source WP William P. Precinct chair & campaign organizer Political Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "VAN is useful, but has its quirks" August 3, 2022 4.0 Pros Identifying selected data on registered voters. Cons As with many software programs, not everything is intuitive. With some functions used occasionally, I have to re-learn each time. Review Source Similar Products Featured