Seattle Democracy Voucher Program

Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program (DVP), launched in 2017 after voters passed Initiative 122, is a pioneering public campaign financing system. Created to counteract growing political inequality and to give everyday residents a stronger voice in local elections, the DVP provides Seattle residents with four $25 vouchers to allocate to participating candidates of their choice. The program’s key goals include expanding voter participation, promoting diverse candidates, reducing the influence of big money in politics, and enhancing the transparency and accountability of city elections.

Since its inception, the DVP has had a transformative impact on Seattle’s electoral landscape, creating measurable and positive changes in key areas:

1. Expanding Political Participation: The program has significantly increased the number and diversity of donors participating in local elections.

2. Increasing Voter Turnout and Civic Engagement: The DVP has directly boosted voter turnout, particularly among low-turnout and first-time voters, enhancing overall engagement with the political process.

3. Diversifying the Candidate Pool and Promoting Competitive Elections: By lowering financial barriers, the program has encouraged a wider and more diverse range of candidates to run for office, leading to more competitive races.

4. Reducing the Influence of Big Money: The program has diminished the role of large, out-of-city contributions and corporate money in Seattle’s elections, shifting power back to everyday residents.

5. High Satisfaction and Public Support: Surveys reveal widespread approval for the DVP among both voters and candidates, with strong public support for the renewal of the program’s funding.

These achievements directly align with the original goals set by advocates when they launched the campaign and underscore the program’s critical role in creating a more equitable, transparent, and inclusive political system in Seattle.

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