Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has unveiled a proposal to raise property taxes in an effort to continue funding the city’s Democracy Voucher Program, an initiative designed to bolster public participation in local elections. The city’s announcement, made via a news release on Monday, outlined plans for a $45 million property tax levy over the next decade.
Under the proposal, homeowners would see an increase of approximately $12.20 annually. These funds would help sustain the Democracy Voucher Program, which was initially created by voters in 2015 and implemented during the 2017 election cycle.
The program serves as a groundbreaking public campaign financing mechanism, aimed at reducing the influence of large donors in local politics and making elections more inclusive and transparent. By offering residents Democracy Vouchers, the program is designed to amplify participation, particularly from communities that have historically been underrepresented in the political process.
Since its inception, the Democracy Voucher Program has enabled over 106,000 residents to contribute vouchers to candidates, channeling more than $10 million into local campaigns as of 2024.
City Council member Rob Kettle, a vocal proponent of the program, expressed his support, stating, “I’m a proud supporter of the Democracy Voucher Program because it amplifies voices often overlooked in our community, empowering diverse coalitions with varied needs and outlooks.”
Should the proposal be approved by voters, the mayor’s office has indicated that a workgroup, comprising members from the mayor’s office, City Council, and the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC), would be convened in early 2026. This group will explore ways to expand the program’s reach and address the influence of Political Action Committees (PACs) in municipal elections.
The proposal is now set to be reviewed by the Seattle City Council before being placed on the ballot for the August primary election.
