
The American flag flies near the Free Library of Philadelphia.
(Photo by Clever Girl Photography)
Another election, another call to action.
On Tuesday, May 15, Pennsylvanians will go to the polls to vote for the partisan candidates they want representing them this fall in the bid for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, state Senate and state House of Representatives.
We’ve written a bunch before about the importance of voting for citizens:
- We debunked myths about voting in Pennsylvania, including the one that those with criminal records can’t do it.
- We heard from Witty Gritty founder Michelle Freeman on why she gave her employees off on Nov. 8, 2016, in a bid for civic engagement.
- We took a deep dive into why millennials’ voting rates suck.
- We invited Philly Set Go PAC cofounder Gabriela Guaracao to write about what civic engagement means to her as an immigrant.
- We covered Vote for Homes, a coalition helping marginalized people make it to the polls, as well as a coalition working to increase Black voter turnout.
- We asked South Philly Committeeperson Jennifer Devor about the best way to educate yourself on the candidates, and more recently, she offered commentary on how young people can create political change (hint: voting is one way).
So, here’s another one: Do your state a solid and get out there.
If you’re not already registered to vote, you’re out of luck for this election; the deadline was April 16. (But you can still register in time for the fall general elections!)
And if you’re overwhelmed by the decisions facing you on the 15th, here are some resources for ya:
- Committee of Seventy just dropped its voting guide to the primary elections, which features candidate bios; important general info about the poll-going process; and plain-English explanations of the three ballot questions Philadelphians will see. You can also fill out a digital ballot to bring with you to the polls here.
- Ballotpedia has a detailed breakdown of who’s running for what in Pennsylvania (and all other states, if you’re curious).
- If you need to vote via absentee ballot, do so by May 8; more details on that process here.
- Confused about what happened with that whole gerrymandering thing earlier this year? Philly.com has your back with this guide.
- And Philadelphia magazine has its own “No-B.S. Guide to Philadelphia-Area Women Running for Congress.”
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