What Are Democracy Dollars?

In order to use Democracy Dollars, you must be:

• An Oakland resident,
• At least 18 years of age, and
• A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident ("green card holder")

You do not have to be a registered voter to use Democracy Dollars. If you meet the criteria, you may apply for Democracy Dollars.

Funds available for 2026 candidates will be announced after the 2025-2027 Budget is adopted in June 2025. In early 2026, the PEC will distribute the Democracy Dollars to Oakland residents. Eligible residents can then use their Democracy Dollars to support participating candidates running for Oakland elected offices.

If you are a registered voter, you will automatically receive your Democracy Dollars by mail.

If you are not a registered voter, you may be eligible apply to receive Democracy Dollars by downloading the application.

Your Democracy Dollars can be given to any participating candidate. A list of participating candidates will be posted on the Program website in early 2026.

In 2026, the eight city seats will be on the ballot:

• Mayor
• City Auditor
• City Council District 2
• City Council District 4
• City Council District 6
• School Board District 2
• School Board District 4
• School Board District 6

A list of participating candidates will be available in early 2026.

You can choose to give all your Dollars to one candidate or split your Dollars to multiple candidates. You may choose to use a few Dollars now and a few later. But don't wait too long because candidates can only accept a limited number of Dollars.

No, Democracy Dollars can only be. donated to participating candidates running for City of Oakland office

Democracy Dollars may be returned directly to a candidate's campaign, to the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, or dropped-off at one of the many designated locations. Dollars must have your signature and the candidate's name clearly written to be processed.

Your Dollars are good from the time you receive them through November 30, 2026. You can use your Dollars all at once or over the course of the year.

There are many ways to stay informed and get involved in this exciting new program:

• Subscribe for email updates from the Public Ethics Commission;
• Follow us on social media;
• Visit the Democracy Dollars website;
• Come to the Commission's monthly meeting;
• Invite the Commission to your community organization;
• Apply to become a Commissioner!