Candidate FAQs
How do I get started?
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact democracyvoucher@seattle.gov to learn about the Democracy Voucher Program.
The campaign and candidate resources page can also help get you started.
When is the next City of Seattle election?
The next City of Seattle election is 2025.
Which elected offices are eligible for Democracy Voucher funding?
Mayor, City Attorney, and City Council Positions 2, 8, and 9.
When can candidates begin qualifying for the Democracy Voucher Program?
Candidates can begin collecting qualifying contributions for the Democracy Voucher Program beginning January 1, 2025.
How many qualifying contributions and signatures are required to qualify for public campaign funding?
| Position | Number of Qualifying Contributions |
|---|---|
| City Attorney | 400 qualifying contributions & 400 qualifying signatures |
| City Council At-Large | 400 qualifying contributions & 400 qualifying signatures |
| City Council District | 150 qualifying contributions & 150 qualifying signatures (half must come from within the district) |
| Mayor | 600 qualifying contributions & 600 qualifying signatures |
What are qualifying contributions?
Qualifying contributions are donations from Seattle residents who are legally able to donate to political campaigns under federal law.
Contributions can be from U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents ("green card holders"). Contributors must live in Seattle and be at least 18 years of age.
Qualifying contributions must be at least $10 but may not exceed the individual contribution limits.
What is the contribution limit?
Candidates in the program are subject to contribution limits of $350 from individual donors when running for City Council (not including $50 in Democracy Vouchers).
What are the campaign limits for candidates participating in the program?
Candidates participating in the Democracy Voucher Program must honor the following campaign limits for each office. These limits include contributions from Democracy Vouchers and monetary contributions.
A candidate may be released from the campaign limit by appealing to the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission.
| Campaign Limits for Participating Candidates | City Attorney | City Council At-large |
City Council District |
Mayor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campaign Spending Limits (Primary Election Only) | $225,000 | $225,000 | $112,250 | $450,000 |
| Combined Campaign Spending Limits for Primary and General Election | $450,000 | $450,000 | $225,000 | $900,000 |