What Philadelphia voters need to know on Election Day
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios
All eyes are on Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races today, billed as some of the top contests in the nation.
Why it matters: The future of abortion access is at stake along with other high-profile issues, such as voting rights, gun regulation and education funding.
- The Keystone State's Senate race is seen as a bellwether that could determine which party will win the majority in the chamber.
- Plus: There are other down ballot races and questions facing voters too.
What to expect: Polls are open from 7am–8pm. Find your polling place on the city's website.
- Visit the City Commissioners' website to view your sample ballot.
Mail-in ballots: Mail-in ballots must be received by the city by 8pm today.
- Submit your mail ballot in person at the County Board of Elections Offices, or at one of the official drop boxes located throughout the city.
Last chance: The state Supreme Court ruled last week that mail-in or absentee ballots submitted without an accurate, handwritten date on the envelope will not be counted. But voters still have time to fix any mistakes.
- Find out whether your mail ballot is at risk by checking the City Commissioners' website.
- Those voters can request a replacement ballot at the County Board of Elections in City Hall Room 140 today from 7:30am-7:30pm or cast a provisional ballot.
- Issues that could get a mail ballot rejected include those lacking a signature or date, an incorrect date, or not being enclosed in a secrecy envelope.
Of note: The Justice Department announced yesterday it will monitor polls in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states, including Philadelphia, for compliance with federal voting rights laws during today's midterms.
- The decision comes as there has been increased concern over voter intimidation and potential disruption, Axios' Herb Scribner reports.
What they're saying: Philadelphia police will have "roving teams" that can quickly respond should any Election Day disturbances arise, the department's commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at a news conference yesterday.
- Uniformed officers will wear body-worn cameras and be accompanied by police supervisors when responding to calls, but will otherwise maintain a 100-foot "bubble" around polling places, as required by state law, Outlaw added.
Remember: If you see anything of concern on Election Day, call the election hotline at (215) 686-1590, the city's District Attorney's office at (215) 686-9641 or dial 911 if witnessing potentially dangerous and suspicious behavior at polling places.
- The commissioners office also set up a hotline 215-686-VOTES for those who experience non-emergency issues inside polling places.
Be smart: Prep for the polls with our Smart Brevity guides on some of the top races.