Tomorrow (Wednesday 9/19), the Government Performance and Finance Committee will discuss and vote on proposed changes to local elections law that I am championing. I wrote about the two ideas earlier this summer, but, to recap, I am proposing that we change Seattle’s elections laws in two ways:
- Restrict fundraising by all candidates in city races until January 1 of an election year. This creates a nearly three year window when elected officials are not raising money while making policy.
- Prohibit rolling over surplus funds between races. At the end of an election cycle if a candidate has any funds left over, they must return it to donors or donate it to a cause of their choice.
What do you think about these ideas? Join us for testimony tomorrow to let us know, or email the Council at council@seattle.gov.
Government Performance and Finance Committee
Wednesday September 19
9am (note: earlier start time)
Council Chambers, City Hall (600 4th Avenue)
Public Testimony: 2 minutes per person at 9am
Read more about the legislation at the Elections Reform page we created.