Better Philadelphia Elections Coalition

From their Facebook: "A diverse coalition calls for the replacement of the Office of the City Commissioners with appointed and experienced professionals to oversee, administer and modernize Philadelphia’s elections. We are calling on City Council to create a new Department of Elections administered by a professionally-accredited Election Director appointed by the Mayor with oversight provided by an appointed, non-salaried and bipartisan Philadelphia Board of Elections. We are issuing this call to action because we are committed to an election system that: • Places the highest priority on increasing civic engagement. Our election officials must remove barriers to voter registration and increase voter turnout. This means notifying voters of elections by mail and social media, informing them of all options for participation, and being champions of the political process • Ensures equal access to the ballot. Our election officials must expand access to and support for voters with disabilities and those of limited English proficiency. Philadelphia has a troubling history in this regard, and in the 21st century casting a ballot can no longer be a burden for some members of our community • Leads the pack on election innovation. Our election officials must be proactive, responsive, and experts in their field. This means researching and implementing national best practices, as well as evaluating and course correcting when necessary. It also requires advocating with leaders across the state for overdue updates to Pennsylvania’s election laws • Eliminates fraud, intimidation, and corruption from the election process. Our election administrators must tackle chronically problematic polling places head-on, which includes substantially improving poll worker training and support • Works across government to expand impact. Our election officials can’t work in a silo, and instead must partner with City departments to offer voter registration opportunities, non-partisan voter education, and voting reminders as a part of service delivery • Spends taxpayer dollars judiciously. Our election officials must spend tax dollars wisely. Other large Pennsylvania counties spend significantly less on their elections operations and produce better results The outdated Office of the City Commissioners does not put our city of firsts in a position to lead where it matters most: trust and integrity, voter protection, and election modernization. By replacing this office with appointed election professionals, Philadelphia can move to its rightful place at the front of the pack in elections outcomes. When it comes to voting, incremental improvements will never be enough. By supporting this forward-looking initiative, Council members can demonstrate their commitment to voting, civic engagement, and ensuring that all Philadelphians have faith in the electoral process. Americans for Democratic Action Asian Americans United Committee of Seventy Disability Rights Pennsylvania Economy League Fifth Square Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Influencing Action Movement Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition Philadelphia 3.0 Philadelphia Progressive Caucus Philadelphia National Organization of Women Public Interest Law Center SEAMAAC **The Better Philadelphia Elections Coalition Facebook page is maintained by staff at the Committee of Seventy. Any paid promotion from this page is financed by the Committee of Seventy.**"