We deserve a government that prioritizes the needs of Oakland residents, rather than wealthy special interests. We need to know that our local elected officials are fighting for us—that they’re working to create affordable housing, improve our schools, and keep the streets safe—instead of helping out their wealthy campaign funders. 

One of the most significant steps towards campaign finance reform in Oakland was the passage of Measure W in November 2022, which established the nation's second-ever Democracy Dollars program. This program sends four $25 Democracy Dollars vouchers to every eligible Oakland adult, which can only be donated to municipal and school board candidates in our city. By incentivizing candidates to listen to residents from all neighborhoods, Democracy Dollars helps to uplift the voices of Oakland communities that are currently being left out of the electoral process.

The Democracy Dollars program has already had positive outcomes in cities like Seattle, where it has increased the number and diversity of donors, opened the door for more people from diverse backgrounds to run for office, and increased voter participation.

The Oakland program will be implemented in 2026 but we must continue to urge our city's leaders to ensure that the program receives funding to launch soon, as promised by Measure W. This will help to make Oakland a leader in building a more inclusive democracy and ensure that the will of the voters is respected.