Oakland, California, passed a measure that gives residents taxpayer-funded “Democracy Dollars” to donate to political campaigns in a bid to increase voter turnout and to broaden campaign opportunities to candidates who lack deep financial resources.
The Fair Elections Act, placed on the ballot as Measure W, requires the city to send adult residents, including non-U.S. citizens who hold Green Cards, four $25 vouchers every two years to be donated to local political campaigns.
Characterized by the San Francisco Chronicle this week as an “under the radar measure,” the bill was supported by 74% of voters in the Nov. 8 election.
