Seattle’s Democracy Voucher program, which passed in 2017, provides residents with publicly funded vouchers they can donate to local candidates. The program, which makes it easier for everyday people to participate in campaigns, is funded through a levy and by law needed to be renewed in 2025. Despite the program’s popularity, polling done in May showed that support for the ballot measure to renew it was lower than anticipated.

Leaning into multi-year coalition-building efforts supported by Piper Fund, grantees The Washington Bus Education Fund and the Washington Community Alliance, along with other partners involved in the People Powered Elections, launched an education and advocacy campaign. With coalition organizations playing to their individual strengths – data hub management, canvassing, phone banking – the ballot measure ultimately passed by 59% (114,000 votes). Results showed an impressive 12-point swing from the May polling to election day. Hear from grantees about how they leveraged their connections and community trust to support this powerful win!