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ABOUT THIS GUIDE


The material in this guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia. It may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing from the bottom when a candidate’s reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names were set to appear on the ballot as of September 11, 2008. They are listed by party in the following order: Democrat, Republican and third-party candidate.

 

PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE

 

The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan: It does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters.

 

Your Election Day Rights


• If your name is not on the list of voters, you may be directed to another polling place or given a provisional ballot.
• Equal treatment regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or disability
• Privacy - you can NOT be forced to show how you voted
• Assistance from poll workers if you request it
• If you have a disability, access to a voting device you can use
• Signs should be posted to assist you with voting machines, voters’ rights and how to file a complaint
Polling Place Officials:
The Judge of Elections (elected)
Majority Inspector (elected)
Minority Inspector (elected)
Clerk (appointed)
Machine Inspector (appointed)
Interpreter (if necessary) (appointed)


Things NOT allowed in Polling Place


• Any election materials UNLESS brought in by the voter.
• Any candidate related clothing or buttons UNLESS worn by the voter.
• Candidates (unless they are voting or have a watchers certificate) should not be inside the polling place
• All electioneering should only be conducted at least 10 feet from the polling place
• Polling place officials should NEVER enter a voting booth with a voter UNLESS requested by voter.
• Weapons, Drugs or Alcohol are NOT permitted inside a polling place.
• Any form of intimidation or specific candidate information
• If voter requires assistance to use the machine, the Judge of elections should use the pink sample ballot OUTSIDE the booth.

 

WRITE-IN VOTING


Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place.

 

ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS


If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the County Board of Elections. The problem may be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, you can go to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively, you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS


If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time, you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of federal or state government-issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check. If you do not have any acceptable ID, then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. For recently released and convicted persons, a letter from your parole or probation officer can serve as non-photo ID.

 

VOTING RIGHTS FOR CONVICTED FELONS


In Philadelphia, convicted felons who have been released from prison or who will be freed before Election Day are eligible to vote if they have registered and meet the general voter-registration requirements for citizenship, age and residency. A convicted felon on parole or probation can vote. In Pennsylvania, a convicted felon cannot vote if he or she is incarcerated on Election Day.

 

CAN VOTERS BE TURNED AWAY FOR WEARING

a hat, shirt or button endorsing a candidate?


In Philadelphia, you are permitted to vote even if you are wearing a T-shirt, button, hat or other candidate memorabilia. However, you must leave the polling place as soon as you vote and cannot actively campaign for a candidate at the polling place.
In other counties, the laws are stricter and may not allow you to wear memorabilia while voting. To be safe, please call your County Board of Elections to verify prior to going to the polls.

 

CERTIFICATION NOTE


As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed below is accurate based upon the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot.



Contact the League of Women Voters at 215-829-9495 or visit our web site at www.palwv.org/philadelphia.
The League is located at 1218 Chestnut St., Suite 702, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
On Election Day, please report any questions or concerns by calling the League of Women Voters/6ABC hotline at 1-866-978-4232. Before Election Day, call the League of Women Voters at 215-829-9495