“It has increased participation in lesser areas in Seattle, and voter turnout from communities of color” and in traditionally low-turnout areas, said Liz Suk, executive director of Oakland Rising, one of the groups that sponsored Measure W. “The way folks are campaigning has changed.”

Voters overwhelmingly approved Measure W in Oakland today, signaling a desire for a more participatory, responsive, and accountable local democracy. With anti-democratic forces on the march around the nation, Oakland is pushing back. Measure W creates a Democracy Dollars program to revolutionize campaign financing for local elections. It will enable all eligible Oaklanders to receive four $25 vouchers to support local political candidates of their choice, making every household a potential donor household and bringing power back to the people.

With the passage of Measure T, we’ve taken a significant step towards addressing this lack of investment and creating equity for small businesses.