Seattle, Washington: Democracy Vouchers Renewal

Campaign Status: Active

The Policy

Democracy Vouchers: Each Seattle resident gets four $25 vouchers that can be donated to the candidates of their choice to neutralize the influence of big money in their politics.

Background

In 2015, Seattle voters passed the “Honest Elections Seattle” initiative and adopted Democracy Vouchers as part of that package. It was a first of its kind program when it passed and was a huge success – it increased voter participation, donor participation, and diversity of candidates in local elections. It also meant those elected officials were supported directly by the people and not special interests.

Funding for this program is up for renewal in 2025 and we are laying the groundwork for a successful renewal campaign now.

Who’s Involved?

RepresentUs is working to support local leaders on the ground, including People Powered Elections Washington, the League of Women Voters, and Washington for Equitable Representation.

GET INVOLVED

You can make an impact on campaigns like this no matter where you live.

Join Our National Volunteer Team

Fund Our Work

The Latest On This Campaign

Seattle City Council candidates got $2.4M from Democracy Vouchers

Nov 27 2023

Supporters say the idea democratizes political campaigns by giving regular folks public money to contribute as they choose, presumably taking some power from rich people, companies and organizations that seem to dominate campaign finance.

How Seattle's democracy vouchers are working

Nov 20 2023

Schultz and many others who are concerned about unrestrained super PAC spending still say democracy vouchers have greatly improved Seattle politics.

Democracy vouchers are back, but do they neutralize big money in local politics?

Feb 21 2023

Advocates told KUOW the program has been working as an antidote to the flood of campaign cash that now pours into local elections all across the country.