why are democracy vouchers limited to city council and city attorney

by Prof. Stephany Senger Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 6 min read

What is Democracy Voucher Program?

What is the Democracy Voucher Program? The Democracy Voucher Program offers a new way for Seattle residents to participate in local government by supporting campaigns and/or running for office themselves.

What type of campaign finance reform did Seattle recently adopt for city elections?

One major reform allows the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC) to distribute "Democracy Vouchers" to eligible Seattle residents. Other campaign reforms include campaign contribution limits for lobbyists and contractors. Seattle is the first city in the nation to try this type of public campaign financing.

What are Seattle democracy vouchers?

A democracy voucher is a method of public financing of political campaigns used in municipal elections in Seattle, Washington, United States. It was approved in 2015 and debuted during the 2017 election cycle.

Precedents

In 2015, Seattle approved Initiative 122, or “Honest Elections Seattle,” with 63% of the vote. Among other reforms, I-122 created a democracy vouchers program, to be managed by the existing Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC). The program is funded by a property-tax levy of $3 million per year.

Policy Bullpen

Below are experts and activists interested in campaign finance reform who have confirmed to DPN they are open to helping advise democracy voucher campaigns across the country. If you are or know someone who would like to be added to this bullpen, contact [email protected].

Taxes fund political campaigns

Not familiar with the program? In 2015 Seattle voters approved a property tax levy to fund a political donations scheme. City voters are given four $25 “ vouchers ” that they can then donate to qualifying city candidates.

Free to choose? Guess not

Apparently some think Millennials will only participate more in democracy if given other people’s money (some of which is contributed by themselves) to hand over to politicians – “’cause it’s free.”