HB 1755 establishes a democracy voucher program that would allow voters to make publicly funded campaign contributions to state legislative candidates. Although the bill will not recieve a vote during the 2023 legislative session, it will be reintroduced in the Washington legislature next year.

In 2015, Seattle voters passed the “Honest Elections Seattle” initiative and adopted Democracy Vouchers as part of that package. The program gave every eligible voter four $25 vouchers that they could donate to participating candidates of their choice. The program was a huge success – it increased voter participation, donor participation, and diversity of candidates in local elections. It also meant those elected officials were supported directly by the people and not special interests.

Now we’re ready to build on that success by creating a statewide democracy vouchers program!

RepresentUs is working to support local leaders on the ground, including People Powered Elections Washington, the League of Women Voters, and Washington for Equitable Representation.