Monday, October 23, 2023

Are you ready to vote? Seattle City Council

Image of woman checking an oversized ballot


The general election is November 7 – that means all ballots must be postmarked or placed in a drop box by that day.

If you live in Seattle, you may have 2 ways to participate:

Seattle's Democracy Voucher program

Democracy Vouchers support candidates running for office by paying for some of the campaign costs. You choose who to donate your voucher to.

  • Our easy-read guide to Seattle Democracy Vouchers
  • Remember! You do not need to be a registered voter to donate your voucher, but you must be a Seattle resident, at least 18, and a US citizen, US national, or lawful permanent resident
  • Note: Not all candidates can accept vouchers. Some have reached their limit or opted out of the program. You can check here.
  • If you have misplaced your Democracy Vouchers, you can request replacements by filling out the online form or by calling (206) 727-8855.

Voting

Be sure you are registered! You can check here.

Do you know who you support?

To help you make decisions about who to support, we sent questionnaires to candidates for Seattle City Council to find out their thoughts on inclusion, childcare, housing stability, safety and other issues of concern to people with disabilities and their families. 

  • You can find links to Seattle candidate responses below. We quoted what they had to say about inclusion.
  • We also sent out questionnaires to King County Council candidates. You can find responses here.
  • Candidates also submitted short biographies to the Democracy Voucher program. You can find those here. These statements are available in 18 languages.
  • We also sent questionnaires to candidates for King County Council. You can find county responses here.

Not sure what voting district you are in?

About the candidates

Seattle District 1 map

Serving SODO, Georgetown, South Park, White Center, and West Seattle neighborhoods.

Rob Saka

Saka questionnaire response 

What inclusion means to me: “I believe inclusion is at the core of building a vibrant and equitable city for all residents. To me, inclusion means creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and has equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.” 

Vouchers: They ave reached their funding limit through the voucher program; they may continue collecting Democracy Vouchers from residents as a sign of support.

Maren Costa 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers:  Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

-

Seattle District 2 map

Serving Mount Baker, Beacon Hill, Columbia City, Holly Park, Othello, Brighton, Dunlap, and Rainier Beach and Rainer View neighborhoods. 

Tammy J. Morales 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers:  Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

Tanya Woo 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers: They have reached their funding limit through the voucher program; they may continue collecting Democracy Vouchers from residents as a sign of support.

-

Seattle District 3 map

Serving First Hill, Capitol Hill, Eastlake, Montlake, Madison Park, Leschi, and the Central District neighborhoods.

Joy Hollingsworth

No questionnaire response

Vouchers: They have reached their funding limit through the voucher program; they may continue collecting Democracy Vouchers from residents as a sign of support.

Alex Hudson 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers: Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

-

Seattle District 4 map

Serving Wallingford, University Village, Laurelhurst, Sand Point, View Ridge, Roosevelt, and Ravenna neighborhoods.

Ron Davis 

Davis questionnaire response 

What inclusion means to me: "My definition of inclusion is based on the idea of equity. Each person has different needs and it's up to the community and our elected officials to meet those needs. To be included means that regardless of any characteristics a person may have, they’re still able to participate in any societal activity. If there are roadblocks in the way of their participation then inclusion means the community and elected officials are actively working to break down those barriers."

Vouchers: Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

Maritza Rivera 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers:  Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

-

Seattle District 5 map

Serving Blue Ridge, Broadview, Bitter Lake, Haller Lake, Licton Springs, Maple Leaf, Northgate, Pinehurst, and Lake City neighborhoods. 

ChrisTiana ObeySumner 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers:  Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

Cathy Moore 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers: Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

-

Seattle District 6 map

Serving the parts of Magnolia, Ballard, Loyal Heights, Fremont, Phinney Ridge, and Green Lake neighborhoods. Neither of the general election candidates answered our questionnaire.

Dan Strauss

No questionnaire response

Vouchers:  Accepting Democracy Vouchers for the General Election.

Pete Hanning 

No questionnaire response

Vouchers: They have reached their funding limit through the voucher program; they may continue collecting Democracy Vouchers from residents as a sign of support.

-

Seattle District 7 map

Serving parts of Magnolia, Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Belltown, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Andrew J. Lewis 

Lewis questionnaire response 

What inclusion means to me: “In the context of my job, scrutinizing government policies to make sure there is equitable access to services and programming, and barriers are broken down that prevent groups from accessing those programs and services who might otherwise be marginalized.” 

Vouchers: Not accepting vouchers; released from general spending limit.


Bob Kettle

Kettle questionnaire response

What inclusion means to me: “Inclusion to me is when people of varying ages, ability, background, and lived experience are able to be together in a community and all contribute to the betterment of that community.”

Vouchers: Has reached their funding limit through the voucher program; may continue collecting Democracy Vouchers from residents as a sign of support.


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Location: King County, WA, USA