I use this system every election cycle and I quite like it. It doesn't force the city to pay out to candidates we're not interested in, since no voters would send their vouchers to a campaign they don't care about. It does seem to open up a pathway to participation for a class of candidates that otherwise wouldn't have access to funding

Some researchers found that public financing expanded the pool of candidates running for office. A 2022 study of Seattle’s program, which gives each registered voter four $25 vouchers to contribute to the campaign of their choice, concluded that the program boosted the number of candidates by 86%. Another study of Arizona and Maine’s programs found that they “significantly increased competition.”

Yes. I’m so disappointed with the candidates on the CA ballot. We need more class diversity in local and state races. I’m sick of seeing “retired business owner” or “retired lawyer” as the qualifications for these fools who are only “qualified” because they’re available (rich). They have the time and money to spend on running for office. Most people can’t even afford their rent.

Competition is one of the few things that can actually move the Overton window in the direction the voters want. A race between two nearly identical corporate-backed geriatrics or neolibs doesn’t count.

On a related note, voting for Bacerra made me feel physically unwell. I hate that I had to vote for someone I can’t possibly trust because of the insane amount of corrupt money he has taken.