Shannon Grimes
Shannon Grimes
Shannon Grimes
For Oregonians, Better Elections Are Hidden in Plain Sight
The state’s constitution lets localities opt for methods that better reflect their mix of voters.
Seattleites Keep Their Model Campaign Finance Reform Program
City voters renewed funding for their iconic democracy vouchers.
Seattle’s Democracy Vouchers Are Popular Across the Political Spectrum
With candidates of all political stripes taking advantage of the city's small-dollar campaign program, Seattleites themselves become the real winners.
Democracy Vouchers Are a Bargain
August’s levy renewal offers Seattleites proven benefits to democracy for a low price.
In Seattle Elections, Dark Money Follows Competition, Not Democracy Vouchers
Research finds independent spending is up in cities with and without public financing for local campaigns—and democracy vouchers are delivering on their people power promise.
Six Reasons Seattleites Should Be Proud of Their Democracy Vouchers
A decade in, and up for renewal in August, Seattle’s model campaign funding program has blasted past even its ambitious initial goals.
Whatcom County Eyes a Prime Election Upgrade
Proportional representation would deliver fairer representation for voters countywide.
Washington’s Bills to Safeguard and Upgrade Democracy in 2025
State leaders are considering measures to allow ranked choice voting and turnout-boosting even-year elections, protect voting rights, increase language resources for elections, and more.
A Magic Boost for Low-Turnout City Elections
Seattle’s 2024 special city council election showed just how easily local voter participation could skyrocket.
Oregon Elections Will Continue to Suffer Spoiler Candidates
The state’s voters rejected Measure 117 to implement ranked choice voting in the state, though notably not in places where voters use ranked choice voting locally.
Portland Voters are Shifting into a Higher Gear
More choices mean more legwork but should lead to a more effective and representative government.
Ranked Choice Voting Already Passed Its First Test in Oregon
Benton County and Corvallis transitioned smoothly to the revised method.