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April 19, 2026

Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

City Cast Pittsburgh

Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

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Could public financing get more Pittsburghers involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing?

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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