The Committee of Seventy is known for its dependable presence on Election Day as its sole purpose when first founded in 1904 was to ensure free and fair elections. The organization assigned its first volunteer pollwatchers to the February 1905 election, and has continued to do so in every election since.

Seventy recruits and trains hundreds of nonpartisan volunteers prior to each election. On Election Day, these volunteers, under the direction of Seventy's staff, act as watchdogs either in the field or behind the scenes. Field volunteers randomly visit hundreds of polling places to ensure that proper procedures are followed and investigate public complaints received by Seventy. At the same time, other volunteers operate Seventy's Election Day Hotline from 6:30 am until 8:30 pm (or later if necessary), taking thousands of calls from Philadelphians with questions ranging from the locations of polling places to the proper conduct of polling place officials.

Seventy's involvement in the electoral process goes far beyond its Election Day activities. Year-round, staff members work to inform the public by answering questions about voting rights, the political process, and the function of various government offices. Seventy provides nonpartisan information to all potential candidates about the laws governing electoral campaigns. In addition, Seventy monitors all federal, state, and local election laws and procedures. On a continuing basis staff participate on panels to study election reforms, advocate specific legislative changes and testify before legislative bodies. Seventy also engages in area-related lawsuits and directly interacts with the public.

Committee of Seventy's
2008 Citizen's Guide

The Committee of Seventy is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)3 organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or party affiliation. Seventy does not lobby or support, endorse or oppose candidates for office. © 2005