Guest post: Vote Yes To Keep Democracy Vouchers in Seattle

The following is a guest post. Guest posts do not necessarily reflect my (Ron Davis) views. However, I do strongly support Prop 1 and hope Seattle Voters will vote yes. The Democracy Voucher program is an important innovation in increasing representative participation and, although not perfect, brings real value to our community.

On the Washington Bus:

The Washington Bus works toward a more equitable Washington, where young people have equal access to public discourse. We envision a state where civic and political engagement is the norm, not the exception, for all Washingtonians. Their mission is to make politics engaging, effective, and fun by putting young Washingtonians in the driver’s seat and giving them tools to be organizers, legislators, and leaders.

Vote Yes on Seattle Proposition 1 to Keep People Powered Elections

By Cinthia Illan Vazquez, Executive Director of the Washington Bus Education Fund

American democracy is under attack. Across the country, we're witnessing dangerous rollbacks of voting rights, systematic targeting of democratic institutions, and unprecedented efforts to silence the voices of everyday people. Billionaires like Elon Musk and other ultra-wealthy individuals are pouring record amounts of money into elections, seeking to drown out working families, renters, young people, and communities of color.

But here in Seattle, we have something powerful—and something worth protecting. 

For nearly a decade, the Washington Bus Education Fund has championed building a multiracial and representative government, because we understand that democracy's health is crucial for building communities where we can all thrive. When billionaires and corporate interests overwhelm our voices, we all suffer the consequences. That's exactly why I'm urging you to vote Yes on Seattle’s Proposition 1 by August 5th to renew funding for one of the most innovative and effective democracy reforms in the country—our city's Democracy Voucher Program.

A Proven Solution in Action

Before this program launched in 2017, Seattle's local elections told a troubling story that mirrors what we see nationwide. Campaign funding was dominated by a small circle of wealthy donors and out-of-city money. Only 1.5% of Seattle residents donated to local campaigns, with two-thirds of all contributions coming from just 0.3% of residents. The donor pool was overwhelmingly white, affluent, and homeowning–with water views—far from representative of our city's diversity. Meanwhile, financial barriers prevented many grassroots candidates from even considering a run for office.

Today, that landscape has fundamentally changed. Since voters approved Initiative 122, Democracy Vouchers have delivered measurable results across these critical areas:

• Expanding Political Participation: The program has dramatically increased both the number and diversity of donors participating in local elections. Over 105,000 residents have used their vouchers since 2017, with Seattle's donor participation rate increasing more than fivefold. The vast majority of voucher users had never contributed to a local campaign before, and voucher users now closely mirror the city's income demographics rather than skewing toward wealthy donors.

• Increasing Voter Turnout and Civic Engagement: The Democracy Voucher Program has directly boosted voter turnout, particularly among low-turnout and first-time voters, enhancing overall engagement with the political process. Voters who use Democracy Vouchers are more likely to stay engaged in local elections over time, creating lasting civic participation.

• 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. We're witnessing more first-time candidates, women, people of color, and younger voices who previously faced insurmountable financial barriers now running viable campaigns.

• Reducing the Influence of Big Money: The program has significantly diminished the role of large, out-of-city contributions and corporate money in Seattle's elections, shifting power back to everyday residents. Large contributions have plummeted, out-of-city donations have been slashed, and the influence of wealthy special interests has been substantially curtailed.

Stories of People Powered Elections 

As the Executive Director of a youth political base-building organization, I witness this program's impact daily. At doors, community events, and festivals, I consistently hear about its importance. College students without disposable income tell me how Democracy Vouchers allow them to support candidates they believe in. First-time candidates share how the program made viable campaigns possible. New voters describe being contacted by campaigns specifically because of Democracy Voucher outreach.

These aren't just anecdotes—Seattleites overwhelmingly support the program. Recent surveys show 90% of voucher users express satisfaction, and after five years of conversations with voters across our city, I can attest to the program's broad, deep support.

A National Model When We Need It Most

In this moment of national democratic crisis and rise of authoritarianism, Seattle has both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead. Our Democracy Voucher Program has become a nationally recognized model for what inclusive, transparent, and accountable democracy looks like. It's living proof that we can reduce big money's influence, expand participation, and give regular people a stronger voice in choosing their representatives.

While other cities watch their democratic processes become increasingly dominated by wealthy interests, Seattle can demonstrate that another path is possible—and it works.

Your Vote Will Determine Democracy's Future

The choice is clear: We can either renew this proven program that strengthens our democracy, or we can step backward toward the old system that excluded so many voices.

Here's what you can do:

• Mark your calendar and return your ballot by August 5th

• Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors—especially younger voters—about why voting Yes on Prop 1 matters for our city's and our democracy's future

• For questions or resources, visit www.YesOnProp1Seattle.org

Let's ensure our elections remain of, by, and for the people. In a time when democracy faces unprecedented threats, Seattle must continue leading with solutions that work.

Vote Yes on Proposition 1 by August 5, 2025!