Ursula Reutin: ‘I want proof’ Seattle’s democracy vouchers actually work, before new tax

The Seattle Mayor’s Office is proposing raising property taxes to renew the Democracy Voucher Program, which donates to campaigns, the city announced in a news release.

According to the mayor’s office, a $45 million property tax would be levied over 10 years to fund the program — with the cost to homeowners around $12.20 a year. Officials stated that since the program took off, more than 106,000 residents have contributed and over $10 million has been distributed to local campaigns through 2024.

However, Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, isn’t buying it.

“I do think it’s a bad idea,” he said. “If the program doesn’t work, then I don’t think it’s wise to keep forcing people, because what it is, it’s based on a tax. So you go in and you tax the people, in this case, the residents of Seattle.”

Registered Seattle voters are given a $25 voucher, which they can then give to the candidates of their choosing. Jake believes the program is “forced participation.”

“People could just give that money if they wanted to,” he added. “The government’s literally creating a middleman between them and the candidates by taking your money first, it’s forcing you to participate on a civic level.”

However, Spike O’Neill, co-host of “Jake and Spike,” loves the idea.

“I think the goals of getting people involved in the election cycle and caring about their local issues, I think that’s the greatest thing ever.”

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Ursula on Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program: ‘I want more proof’

Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, agreed with Jake, saying she did not want another tax and adding, “certainly not for the democracy vouchers.”

“I’m going to admit to this day that I have not used one,” Ursula shared.

She said that if people want to donate, they should donate directly to the candidate.

“Why go through the demo democracy voucher system where you have to pay for the bureaucracy that goes along with it,” Ursula said. “I still want to see more proof that democracy vouchers have actually expanded and diversified the pool of political candidates, which was its goal, which is a noble effort.”

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Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9am to 12am on KIRO Newsradio.