For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Contact: Kerry Mallett, kmallett@seventy.org, 201-669-7943
PHILADELPHIA – February 4, 2026 – As nomination petitions become available and the first day to circulate approaches, the Committee of Seventy, in partnership with Black Leadership Pennsylvania, hosted a sold-out launch event focused on Philadelphia’s ward system and the powerful, often-overlooked role of committee person – signaling growing public interest in neighborhood-level political participation ahead of the May primary election.
Due to overwhelming demand, Seventy expanded capacity for the event, which provided a clear breakdown of how Philadelphia’s ward and division system operates and how committee people shape who appears on the ballot and how local political power functions. The program also offered practical guidance for residents interested in running for committee person during this election cycle.
The event also featured remarks from Philadelphia City Commissioners on the importance of civic participation and the administration of local elections as nomination petitions become available and circulation begins on February 17.
“This work sits at the core of Seventy’s mission – bringing people closer to their government. And when people understand how the government works, trust and participation grow. And that is exactly what our democracy needs right now,” said Lauren Cristella, President & CEO of the Committee of Seventy. “Action and community are the antidote to apathy and overwhelm. Understanding how the ward system works – and choosing to participate as a committee person – is one concrete way to help build a more responsive government that works for all of us.”
The event is part of the Committee of Seventy’s ongoing work to expand civic participation and increase transparency around Philadelphia’s political structures by making local government more accessible and understandable to everyday residents.
Following this launch, the Committee of Seventy is hosting several more trainings to reach different communities across Philadelphia. These include:
- Monday, February 9 – a virtual training hosted by Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr.
- Tuesday, February 10 – an in-person training hosted by Mt. Airy Democrats
- Wednesday, February 11 – an in-person training at the Ethical Society, co-hosted by Young Involved Philly and 5th Square PAC
- Thursday, February 12 – a virtual training
More training programs will be added through the petition submission deadline in March and primary election in May.
For more info, go to seventy.org.
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