Today the United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the Washington State Supreme Court’s ruling last July upholding the legality of Seattle’s “Democracy Voucher” program, putting to final rest the legal challenge to the campaign finance program.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s order today denies without comment the plaintiffs’ appeal, and leaves intact the state Supreme Court’s ruling. See my previous writeup of that ruling for a longer discussion of the legal issues at play in the case. That ends the current legal challenge to the Democracy Vouchers program, though it doesn’t preclude future challenges on other legal issues.
The Seattle City Attorney’s Office released a statement from City Attorney Pete Holmes:
“The appellants’ path has ended, and the constitutionality of Seattle’s Democracy Voucher program is now settled,” said Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes. “Public access to elections matters, and Democracy Vouchers help give voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I’m thankful this fight is over and proud of our resounding success in the courts.”
Holmes recused himself from direct involvement in litigating the case, since he participated in the Democracy Vouchers program during his last campaign for office.
Congratulations!!! xox