WHEREAS, Free and fair elections where all eligible voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard are critical to a functioning democracy; and
WHEREAS, The City’s current system of election administration is managed by the Philadelphia City Commissioners, and administered by our friends and neighbors who serve as election poll workers; and
WHEREAS, These election officials played a critical role in making the 2020 election safe, secure, and accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Since the 2020 general election, there has been a demonstrable uptick in attempts to bully, threaten, and undermine election administrators and poll workers, making it harder for them to do their jobs, and reducing faith in the electoral process in a manner that diminishes the perception of our democracy; and
WHEREAS, Looking forward to the 2022 general election and beyond, the City of Philadelphia is committed to supporting City Commissioners and other local administrators so they are best equipped to preside over free and fair elections without the fear of threats and intimidation; and
WHEREAS, This City Council strongly opposes any future attempts to seize power over elections from these officials and citizen volunteers and grant it to any other entity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Affirms and praises the role of Philadelphia’s City Commissioners and citizen poll workers in implementing free and fair election procedures to determine the will of all eligible Philadelphia voters, and decrying efforts to undermine such officials and citizen participants through bullying and legislative interference.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That we support and protect our friends and neighbors who serve as election inspectors and local election officials, and city staff.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That we call on State lawmakers to cease all attempts to undermine, disrupt, or revoke the City Commissioner’s authority over Philadelphia elections, as well as the authority of municipal clerks.
End