LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Dear Philly,

If there’s one word that’s been thrown around a lot this election year, it’s ‘unprecedented.’ Unprecedented candidates, unprecedented changes, unprecedented times. And yet, when we think about some of the most common challenges to voting — long lines at the polls, lack of language accessibility, confusing information about how and where to cast our ballots — these issues feel entirely precedented, and that’s especially true for marginalized groups. This newsletter aims to boost visibility on these issues by offering first-person accounts and resources that might help catalyze efforts to make those challenges obsolete.

With stunning predictability, we continue to hear that the process is needlessly complicated, leading to inconveniences that turn voters off from participation. Our Info Hub Captain Shanayah Wyche explores this concept in a piece about voter apathy that asks whether that term is appropriate. Is it ‘apathy’ that keeps folks away from the polls? Or is it a series of systemic flaws coupled with the absence of substantive change one election cycle after another?

A common refrain we also hear from voters is that they’re unsure of their rights. For some folks, like those who are incarcerated or have been formerly incarcerated, there are concerns about eligibility, even though Pennsylvania allows for broad participation in elections for people with criminal records. Ryan Moser, a former Resolve Philly reporting fellow who covers reentry from the prison system, talks about his experiences as a voter and justice-impacted individual.

Voters with disabilities also contend with conflicting information about their rights. The law requires that all polling stations used for federal elections be accessible to voters with mobility issues. Too often, however, there are no ramps where there should be, poll workers aren’t equipped to help people use accessible machines, and those with cognitive or mental health disabilities face prejudice and misunderstanding that makes them feel unwelcome. Our Info Hub Captain Teressa Price shares resources and solutions for the disability community.

Lastly, we’re following up on a story from Germantown Info Hub about those who voted ‘uncommitted’ in the 2024 primary election. With significantly more at stake in the general election, how have feelings changed about casting a ‘protest vote’, if at all? Germantown Info Hub’s engagement reporting intern, Pryce Jamison, brings us that perspective.

Voting access in Philly isn’t fully equitable just yet, but we’re inspired by the work being done by individuals and advocacy groups to get us closer to that goal. We hope this newsletter offers solutions that complement the work being done on the ground. If you have thoughts about this newsletter or want to share something we didn’t cover, please shoot me an email!

Happy Voting,

Danielle Smith

Editorial Director of Community News

danielle@resolvephilly.org