The system is relatively new. In 2015 Seattle became the first U.S. city to approve “democracy vouchers” as a way of publicly financing political campaigns for local elections, and few large cities have followed suit. Democracy Vouchers can be used only for candidates for Seattle mayor, City Council or city attorney.
Supporters say the idea democratizes political campaigns by giving regular folks public money to contribute as they choose, presumably taking some power from rich people, companies and organizations that seem to dominate campaign finance. The program also gives candidates another way to engage directly with voters.
Because independent financing was such a big part of this year’s Seattle election,
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