WHEREAS, This Body has continuously advocated and encouraged citizens to fully exercise their right to vote, and remain actively engaged in the democratic process; and
WHEREAS, According to the City Commissioners, Philadelphians in all neighborhoods would benefit from having larger and more centralized polling locations, provided that charter schools are willing to open their doors on Election Day; and
WHEREAS, Closing charter schools in Philadelphia would provide voters with a greater number of polling locations that are located within a closer proximity to their home; and
WHEREAS, There are over 80 charter schools across Philadelphia, spanning many different neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, The presence of higher quality polling locations would allow for more people to be engaged in the democratic process and reduce any potential barriers that exist when going to vote; and
WHEREAS, The School District of Philadelphia already closes many of its schools to serve as polling locations in neighborhoods across the City, and Charter Schools could follow the existing model for schools to serve as voting locations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Calls on Philadelphia Charter Schools to close, or adopt a modified schedule in observance of Election Day, in order to provide higher quality polling locations for residents across the City.
End