Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined a coalition of community leaders and civic engagement organizations to announce his proposal to renew Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program, which is expiring at the end of this year.
“Seattle’s innovative Democracy Voucher Program is a local success story for supporting increased participation in municipal elections and empowering candidates and voters from all backgrounds to engage in our democracy,” said Mayor Harrell. “Democracy vouchers have allowed more people to participate in campaign financing in our city, making the political process more accessible and inclusive. Renewing this program shows Seattle’s commitment to ensuring that all voices – regardless of income or background – can help shape the future of our city.”
Created by voters in 2015 and implemented in the 2017 election cycle, the Democracy Voucher Program is a first-of-its-kind public campaign financing system which aims to increase participation, reduce the influence of big money in politics, and make the city’s elections more accessible and transparent.
The program is administered by the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC) which sends four $25 democracy vouchers to eligible residents during municipal election cycles. Residents then donate their vouchers to qualifying campaigns, which are redeemed for the assigned value.
Since the program’s inception, Seattle has had among the highest rates of people contributing to candidates in the country. More than 106,000 residents have contributed vouchers to candidates, distributing over $10 million to local campaigns through 2024.
The program is also popular with candidates running for city office and has led to more competitive races. Between 2017-2024, 76% of candidates who appeared on the primary election ballot and 89% of candidates on the general election ballot participated in the program.
Mayor Harrell’s proposal would renew the program by levying a $45 million property tax over 10 years, costing the median assessed value Seattle homeowner about $12.20 a year. The proposal has been transmitted to the City Council for consideration and referral to voters for the August primary.
If voters approve the ballot measure, the Mayor, City Council, and SEEC will convene a workgroup in early 2026 to make recommendations on program improvements to reach more residents in diverse communities and empower local campaigns by addressing the role of Political Action Committee (PACs) in municipal elections.
What People Are Saying:
Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7)
“I’m a proud supporter of the Democracy Voucher Program because it amplifies voices often overlooked in our community; empowering diverse coalitions with varied needs and outlooks. It’s important we work together to create a viable renewal proposal for voters to consider. Democracy Vouchers have proven to be a useful tool in strengthening our local democratic process.”
Hannah Lindell-Smith, Coalition Coordinator at People Powered Elections Washington
“As the People Powered Elections Washington coalition, our goal is to build a government that truly represents, reflects, and respects our people and communities. By empowering small donors and everyday voters, the Seattle Democracy Voucher Program does just that, and now more than ever it is essential that we renew the program and continue its successes.”
Waldo Waldron-Ramsey, Political Director, Washington CAN
“Washington CAN members support Democracy Vouchers to give voice and power to those left behind by wealthy donors in the city of Seattle”
Cinthia Illan Vazquez, Executive Director, Washington Bus
“The Democracy Voucher Program has transformed our understanding of civic participation. It empowers everyday residents to become a donor regardless of income, wealth, or citizenship status, which means candidates must engage directly with constituents rather than chase big money. For immigrants like me who once saw voting as the only pathway to democratic involvement, this program opens new doors to participation. By expanding who can have a voice in our democracy, we’re building stronger, more responsive local governments that truly represent all. As a member of the People Powered Elections Coalition we fully support this levy renewal.”
Cindy Black, Executive Director, Fix Democracy First
“In the face of big-money in elections, Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program is a successful innovative program that empowers everyday voters, ensuring that political power remains in the hands of the people, not corporate PACs and wealthy donors. We wholeheartedly support the levy renewal that would enable this program to continue.”
Jon DeVaan, Seattle resident and Board Co-Chair, RepresentUs
“At a time when Americans are witnessing unprecedented political influence from billionaires at the national level, Seattle’s successful Democracy Vouchers program is a much-needed example of the power and importance of democratizing campaign finance. We enthusiastically support the renewal of this program and hope that Seattle’s success will be replicated across the country.”
Shannon Grimes, Senior Democracy Researcher, Sightline Institute
“Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program is an influential model for the United States, demonstrating how small donors can actively participate in local elections.”
