"Honest Elections Seattle" Initiative (I-122)
In November 2015, Seattle voters passed a citizen-led initiative known as "Honest Elections Seattle Initiative" (I-122). I-122 enacted several campaign finance reforms that changed the way campaigns are typically financed for Seattle candidates.
Here is a summary of the new and amended sections of the Elections Code as a result of I-122. Additional information regarding administrative rules and Executive Director's rules can be found on the Office of the City Clerks' website.
| Seattle Municipal Code Reference | Description |
|---|---|
|
SMC 2.04.165 (Amended) |
Statement of Personal Financial Affairs Changing dollar thresholds on Statement of Personal Financial Affairs (F-1). Require estimate of Net Worth. |
|
SMC 2.04.370 (Amended) |
Contribution Limits Created a process for adjusting the contribution limit starting prior to 2019 cycle. |
|
SMC 2.04.601 (New Section) |
Limit Contributions from City Contractors Candidates and elected officials are barred from soliciting or accepting contributions for themselves, their committees, or any political committee, from City contractors who meet certain criteria. For the list of city contractors who have received payments of $100,000 or more in the last two years, please visit the City of Seattle's Contractor list. |
|
SMC 2.04.602 (New Section) |
Limit Contributions from Persons Who Pay City Lobbyists Candidates and elected officials are prohibited from soliciting or accepting contributions for themselves, their committees, or any political committee, from any person who has paid a lobbyist or lobbying entity $5,000 or more in the prior twelve months to lobby the City. |
|
SMC 2.04.606 (New Section) |
Paid Signature Gatherers Signature gatherers for Seattle ballot issues (City ballot measure, initiative, referendum, charter amendment) must disclose if they are paid for gathering signatures. Visit the City Clerks' office for more information. |
|
SMC 2.04.607 (New Section) |
Former Elected Officials Former Mayor, City Council member, City Attorney and certain top-paid staff prohibited from lobbying the City for three years after leaving City office or position. |
|
SMC 2.04.620-690 (New Section) |
Democracy Voucher Program |