(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced a proposed property tax levy renewal that would increase funding for a public campaign financing voucher program by 50%.
Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program was created and approved by voters in 2015 with the intention of increasing participation in local elections across all Seattle demographics and reducing the influence of larger donations in politics.
Eligible residents receive $25 democracy vouchers during local election cycles. These residents can then donate their vouchers to qualifying campaigns.
Harrell’s new tax proposal would increase the property tax levy from the anticipated $30 million generated between 2017-2027 to $45 million over the next 10 years starting in 2027, if approved by voters.
This would cost the median assessed value Seattle homeowner about $12.20 a year, according to a press release.
“Renewing this program shows Seattle’s commitment to ensuring that all voices – regardless of income or background – can help shape the future of our city,” Harrell said in a statement Monday.
The city claims success with the Democracy Voucher Program during its initial lifetime due to Seattle having one of highest rates of people contributing to candidates in King County, with over 106,000 residents distributing over $10 million in vouchers to local campaigns through 2024, according to the city.
Other data from the city shows that 76% of candidates who appeared on the primary election ballot and 89% of candidates on the general election ballot participated in the program between 2017 and 2024.
If voters approve the ballot measure, city officials will convene a work group in 2026 to make recommendations on how to improve the program in order to reach more residents.
Harrell’s proposal will have to first be approved by the Seattle City Council to be placed on August 2025 primary ballots.
