Shania Bennett

Voter Registration In Philadelphia Is Up By 90%.

As of October 26, 2020, Philadelphia has reached its highest number of registered voters since 1984. According to statistics retrieved from the PA Department of State, approximately 1,120,000 of 1.6 million Philadelphia residents are currently registered to vote.

The PA Department of State reported that over 438,676 mail-in ballots have been requested as of October 29, 2020 for the upcoming election in Philadelphia. This is the first time in Philadelphia’s history that anyone can request a mail-in ballot and use it as a means of voting, as a prevention initiative for reduction of the spread of Covid-19.

Although many individuals have already voted by mail, early voting lines have shown that there are a number of people that prefer to vote in person. Local community leaders and elected officials expect that there will be a large turnout at the polls on November 3 for the upcoming presidential election even with the spread of Covid-19, due to the fact that over 90% of Philadelphia eligible residents are registered to vote. For many elected leaders, even campaigning has looked a lot different in 2020 as opposed to election season in past years. 

Anton Moore, Elected Ward Leader of the 48th Ward in South Philadelphia said that this election season has been one of the most rewarding election seasons when it comes to voter registration. When it comes down to community engagement and initiatives to get community residents registered and out to vote, Anton Moore said that he has been doing whatever he can to get individuals registered to vote and increase voter turnout at polls.  Anton expressed how this election season has forced him to be creative and innovative since traditional door knocking, rallying, and community engagement events have come to a halt due to social gathering restrictions.

Since September, Moore has hosted a series of events that have looked a lot different than events hosted before the Covid-19 outbreak: including a drive-thru voter registration event, voter caravan, town hall meetings via Zoom, social distancing outdoor pep rallies, and even small gatherings at mail-in ballot drop boxes across South Philadelphia. Moore says since he was elected Ward Leader in 2018, “voter turnout in South Philadelphia’s 48th Ward has increased by 32% in itself” and he anticipates that this election will only bring about another increase in voter turnout, especially with the significant increase in the number of registered eligible voters across the city of Philadelphia.

Although the deadline for mail-in ballots to be requested has passed, polling locations are open November 3rd for in-person voting. In addition, mail-in ballots can still be dropped off at secured drop boxes. If you haven’t voted already, be sure to get out to vote on November 3. You have a voice and a right to exercise it at the polls!