WHEREAS, National Voter Registration Day, first launched in 2012, has grown into a nationwide, nonpartisan movement that has worked with thousands of partners to help more than six million Americans register to vote and make their voices heard; and
WHEREAS, Celebrated every September, National Voter Registration Day unites thousands of organizations and volunteers across the country to engage communities and broaden participation in our democracy; and
WHEREAS, National Voter Registration Day is nationally recognized and endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center), underscoring its credibility and impact; and
WHEREAS, Increasing voter registration and participation strengthen our communities by ensuring that all voices are heard in the democratic process; and
WHEREAS, Many eligible residents remain unregistered to vote due to barriers such as lack of awareness, access; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia had approximately 1.12 million registered voters as of the 2024 presidential election; and
WHEREAS, In the 2024 general election, about 703,000 Philadelphians cast ballots, which was approximately three percent in reduction of the voter turnout rate; and
WHEREAS, In the 2025 primary election, only about 17% of registered voters turned out, a rate described as alarming by civic group leaders; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy and holds a special responsibility to advance voter registration and ensure that every eligible resident can participate in shaping our collective future; and
WHEREAS, The expansion of voter registration initiatives will ensure that Philadelphia’s diverse communities are fully represented in the democratic process and contribute to a stronger civic future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes Tuesday, September 16, 2025 as National Voter Registration Day, and hereby urge the citizens of Philadelphia to become aware of and support National Voter Registration Day.
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