Muncho Gusto! Democracy Vouchers

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. How did the Democracy Voucher Program begin? In November 2015, Seattle voters passed a citizen-led initiative known as "Honest Elections Seattle" (I-122). I-122 enacted several campaign finance reforms that changed the way campaigns are typically financed for Seattle candidates. 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. The SEEC is committed to increasing transparency, accountability, and accessibility for how Seattle elections are financed.