October 28, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patrick Christmas
Senior Policy Analyst
(267) 940-4503 (office)
(919) 423-7281 (cell)
NON-PARTISAN VOLUNTEERS READY TO HELP VOTERS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
WHAT: The Committee of Seventy has recruited and trained 150 non-partisan volunteers to help Pennsylvania voters on November 4, 2014. Representatives of the media are urged to remind Philadelphians with questions about voting, or who experience problems at the polls, to call Seventy’s NEW dedicated elections hotline at 1-855-SEVENTY (1-855-738-3689).
WHO: Members of the news media are invited to observe Seventy’s Election Day program in action and to visit Philadelphia polling places with our volunteers. Food and wireless internet access are available at Seventy’s office.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4, 2014, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Committee of Seventy, Eight Penn Center, 1628 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1002, Philadelphia.
CALLS: Call the staff’s office line or reach Election Day staff by cell phone or e-mail:
Ellen Kaplan, Interim President and CEO: 267-861-6039; 267-241-1628(c), ekaplan@seventy.org
Pat Christmas, Senior Policy Analyst: 267-940-4503; 919-423-7281(c), pchristmas@seventy.org
Background: The Committee of Seventy conducts the nation’s oldest non-partisan local Election Day program. Trained volunteers assist voters throughout the year by responding to questions about the voting process and candidates on the ballot. In addition, during every primary and general election day for the last 110 years, Seventy sends non-partisan volunteers to Philadelphia polling places to help voters. Significant features of Seventy’s program for the November 4 general election include:
- A highly structured operation designed to ensure that questions, concerns, or problems at polling places in Philadelphia are answered and handled promptly and efficiently. The polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
- NEW 1-855-SEVENTY (1-855-738-3689) Hotline for voters in Philadelphia to report problems at the polls. Volunteers or law enforcement representatives, if needed, will be dispatched to resolve issues called into the hotline. Representatives of the media are urged to disseminate the hotline number.
- Representatives from the City Commissioners and District Attorney’s office will be stationed in Seventy’s office to handle any serious problems throughout the day.
- Extensive information on voting and the candidates in the November 4 election can be found on Seventy’s website at www.seventy.org.
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The Committee of Seventy is a non-partisan government watchdog that fights for clean and effective government, fair elections and an informed citizenry. For more information, see www.seventy.org.