Tips for Election Day

Tuesday, November 3

Good morning! Election Day is finally here.

These last few weeks, the City Cast Philly team has been working hard to get you the info you need to vote with confidence. On the podcast we’ve been diving into the city ballot questions and the governor’s race, and in the newsletter we’ve shared stories about what the election might mean for the policies that affect your lives.

We’ve got more election resources in today’s newsletter. And once the results are in, we’ll be there to help you understand how it affects you and your neighbors. So if our election coverage has been useful, will you consider becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor?

Yes, I support City Cast Philly!

It’s the best way to directly support our work. Now let’s dig in:

First Up

Sign says “voting matters” inside a Philly business.

Philly residents across the city will cast their votes today. (Photo by Maureen Kaiser).

At the top of the ballot today is the gubernatorial face-off between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican State Treasurer Garrity. Philly’s three congressional seats are also up for election, and some Philadelphians will see competitive races for the state legislature on their ballots. Plus, we’re all voting on two proposed changes to the city charter. Here are a few handy reminders to help get your vote out safely and responsibly:

Where, When, How. Polls are open today between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Find a polling place near you to vote in person or return mail ballots at election offices and drop boxes throughout the city; they must be received by 8 p.m. tonight.
Review Ballot Measures. Check out our voter guide to brush up on key races and ballot measures.
Check Your Ballot’s Status: Use this tracker to check the status of your mail-in or absentee ballot (not applicable for ballots cast in person).
Know Your Rights. From intimidation to broken machines, problems can arise at the polls. Learn about potential issues you could face and report complaints to the District Attorney's Election Task Force hotline at 215-686-9641. Voting issues can also be reported to the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Facing Sudden Crisis? Request an emergency absentee ballot.
Know About Provisional Ballots. Whether you lost your mail ballot or an election official challenges your eligibility, learn when to request a provisional ballot.
Debunk Election Myths. Learn the truth behind those claims of noncitizen voters in Pennsylvania, and remember that your vote still matters.

What Philly's Talking About

All the Voter Vibes and … Christmas Trees Already?

Election Day means we’ll finally find out: Will Pennsylvania’s government be completely controlled by Democrats? On the show today, Trenae Nuri talks with contributors Cassidy Leyendecker and Santiago Ortiz about voter vibes in Philly, a proposed tax on delivery robots and Waymos, and whether now is too soon to put up that Christmas tree. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

PODCAST

Can PA Dems Win Trifecta? Plus, Taxing Waymo & Very Early Holiday Decor

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts

‘Hacktivists’ Leak Identities of Philly’s ICE Agents

Hackers took responsibility for exposing the personal details of 41,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security employees, nearly 300 of whom are based in Philadelphia. The leak — which includes names, addresses, and phone numbers — revealed the identities of 41 deportation officers in Philly, along with other local Immigration and Customs Enforcement staff. [NPR; 🔐 The Inquirer]

Squirrel Exhibit Celebrates Philly’s Urban Rodents

Squirrels take center stage in “SKIRL!,” a new solo exhibition at the University of Pennsylvania’s Institute of Contemporary Art. As the first artist in the museum’s new research-focused residency, Wilmer Wilson IV leveraged campus library resources, autobiographical experiences, and insights from scientists (including a squirrel neurologist).

Philly introduced squirrels to its parks in 1847 in response to industrialization-related wildlife decline, becoming the first major American city to intentionally provide food and habitats to the furry rodents. [🔐 The New York Times]

Businesses Worry Over Revenue Loss from Skill Games’ Removal

Two weeks after the enforcement of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling ordered the removal of skill games machines from convenience stores and bars, small business owners are worried about resulting revenue loss. Establishments that removed the slot-like machines say they attracted essential customers, and without them, they may not be able to stay afloat. [Billy Penn]

A New Way to Discuss and Prepare for Climate Change

Are you worried about the local impacts of climate change? The city has released an official toolkit to help you take action. Learn about the climate threats facing Philly, how to discuss them with your neighbors, and ways to prepare for disasters. [WHYY]