OPINION | My Journey as a First-Time Donor With Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program

by Gabi Muña

As a military kid, I’ve always seen the direct impact of government and politics on my life. They determined where I would live, how much funding my schools got, and whether or not my dad would go to war. Growing up, politics was more than just a subject — it was a lens through which I understood my world. After moving to Seattle and becoming a student at Seattle University, I was introduced to the Democracy Voucher Program, and it marked a significant shift in how I engaged with local politics.

In 2016, my journey into the political realm deepened. I began to see how crucial it was to protect the rights of marginalized communities, including my own as a queer Person of Color, and the risks of inaction. My involvement with the Washington Bus, an organization dedicated to empowering young people and combating political apathy, further fueled my desire to make a difference. I wanted to help others understand that their voices matter and that they hold the power to influence the democratic process.

When I received my democracy vouchers in the mail earlier this year, I was initially unsure about how to use them and the impact they could have. The concept of the program — where every Seattle voter gets vouchers to donate to political candidates — was new to me. I set the vouchers aside, partly because I didn’t fully understand the process and the candidates running. However, my work with the Washington Bus reignited my interest. I dove into researching the candidates, their platforms, and what was at stake in the upcoming elections.

Using the democracy vouchers turned out to be an empowering experience. As a college student with limited funds, I was able to support a campaign without having to worry how it would affect my personal finances. The ability to contribute to a candidate’s campaign, especially one that focuses on issues like public transportation — a vital concern for me as someone who relies on it daily — was a thrilling prospect. Public transit is essential for many working-class individuals, and knowing that my support could help a candidate who prioritizes this issue made the process all the more meaningful.

One of the most striking aspects of the Democracy Voucher Program is its ability to shift the focus from big-money donors to small grassroots contributions. Candidates who participate in this program are less influenced by wealthy donors and more responsive to the needs and concerns of everyday people. This shift is particularly significant in Seattle, where the influence of PACs and outside groups can often overshadow the voices of regular citizens. By supporting a candidate through the Democracy Voucher Program, I felt my direct impact on the campaign’s direction and the broader democratic process.

Despite the positive aspects, there are areas where the program could be improved. From my experience and conversations with others, it’s clear that more education about the program is needed. Many people are unaware of how it works or even that it exists. The online portal, which I found extremely helpful, should be highlighted more to ensure that voters can easily redeem their vouchers and participate in the process.

Looking ahead, I am committed to participating in the Democracy Voucher Program from now on. It represents a landmark opportunity to enhance democracy and ensure that elected officials are accountable to their constituents. Candidates who succeed through this program are more likely to genuinely represent our interests and concerns.

To other first-time donors, I encourage you to do your research. Don’t just base your decision on a candidate’s name or party affiliation. Look closely at their policies and solutions to the issues you care about. And make sure to use the online portal — it’s a straightforward and effective tool that makes the process seamless.

As Seattle heads into a special election in November 2024, now is the time to act. The primary election is behind us, and we have the opportunity to make our voices heard through the Democracy Voucher Program. By participating, you can contribute to a political landscape that values small donors and grassroots support over big-money influence. Let’s make a difference together — empower our democracy and support candidates who truly represent our community’s needs.

The South Seattle Emerald is committed to holding space for a variety of viewpoints within our community, with the understanding that differing perspectives do not negate mutual respect amongst community members.

The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the contributors on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the Emerald or official policies of the Emerald.

Gabi Muña is a queer, Chamorro-Filipino student going into their fourth year at Seattle University. They are majoring in sociology and political science with a specialization in legal studies and a minor in philosophy, and they are the president of the Political Science Club. Gabi is currently working with the Campus Voters Project to get out the vote among all students in Washington.