Seattle City Council recommends $45 million democracy voucher levy continuation

Seattle's Governance, Accountability, and Economic Development Committee has taken a significant step toward enhancing democratic participation in the city. During a meeting on April 15, 2025, committee members expressed strong support for the Democracy Voucher Program, which aims to increase voter engagement and support local candidates.

The committee discussed a proposed new 10-year property tax levy, which would raise $45 million to fund the program, replacing the current levy that expires at the end of this year. This new levy is designed to account for inflation and the rising costs associated with administering the program, which has seen increased participation since its inception. If approved, the levy would cost the owner of a median-value residential property approximately $13.07 annually, or about $1.09 per month.

Brian Goodnight from the Council Central staff highlighted that the current levy, approved by voters in 2015, has successfully funded the program for a decade, raising a total of $30 million. The new levy aims to ensure continued support for the Democracy Voucher Program, which provides financial resources to candidates and encourages broader community involvement in elections.

In addition to funding, the proposed legislation includes a provision for a work group to be convened in early 2026. This group will focus on recommending improvements to the Democracy Voucher Program, particularly in addressing the influence of political action committees on local elections. The work group will consist of various stakeholders, including candidates, campaign staff, and good government advocates.

The committee's recommendation to advance the bill could lead to a vote by the full city council on April 22, with the potential for it to appear on the ballot for voter approval by August 5. This initiative reflects Seattle's commitment to fostering a more inclusive electoral process and ensuring that the voices of its residents are heard in local governance.