For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Contact: Genevieve Greene, ggreene@seventy.org, 617-785-6991
Philadelphia, PA – On Election Day, November 5, 2024, the Committee of Seventy, OnePhillyConnect, and additional partners will host events at three high-traffic Philadelphia polling locations to promote civic pride and voter engagement. Activities will include interactive art installations, music, food and giveaways, aiming to create an environment that celebrates the democratic process.
The selected polling locations are West Philadelphia High School (4901 Chestnut St.), South Philadelphia High School (2101 S. Broad St.), and Bright Hope Baptist Church (1601 N. 12th St),. Sites will be activated between 10:00am and 6:00pm.
“These events reflect our belief that while we encourage everyone to take their right and responsibility to vote seriously, it should also be a joyful celebration of our shared ability to shape the future,” said Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy. “By bringing art, music, and community together at the polls, we hope to make Election Day both meaningful and fun.”
The Committee of Seventy has commissioned local artists to lead interactive art projects at each location:
- At South Philadelphia High School, Fleisher Art Memorial will lead a multimedia craft reflecting democracy that will feature a series of prompts for the public to respond to that are rooted in visions for Philadelphia and our communities.
- West Philadelphia High School will feature two interactive projects. In the first, led by comic book artist Ted Woods, participants will create custom comic coloring sheets that reflect voting and democracy. Artist Arshayla Robinson will also be engaging voters and their families to contribute to a mural with LED lights.
- The projects at Bright Hope Baptist Church will include creating unique butterflies responding to the prompt, “what’s next,” with Taller Puertorriqueño. There will be an arch to hang the butterflies and take selfies. Jamee Grigsby, a painter and muralist, will be onsite as well to engage participants in painting a mini mural.
“Art is a powerful tool for expression, and these projects are a way to make Election Day engaging and interactive,” Cristella added. “We hope these installations encourage voters to reflect on their impact within the community and embrace their role in our democracy.”
In addition to the interactive art installations, each site will have music through DJ at the Polls, lawn games, snacks and swag all day. OnePhillyConnect’s Pizza to the Polls truck, which plans to provide 1,500 slices of free pizza on Election Day, will make stops at each location as well. There will also be Eagles giveaways and appearances by Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders and SWOOP at the South Philadelphia High School location.
Additional partners include the Urban League of Philadelphia, the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, PA Youth Vote, and Vote That Jawn.
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About Committee of Seventy
The Committee of Seventy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has promoted, supported and facilitated government ethics and election integrity for more than a century. Seventy advocates for more free, fair, safe and secure elections and works to ensure that every eligible voter votes, is informed when they vote, and votes with confidence. For more information, visit: https://live-c70.pantheonsite.io/.
About OnePhillyConnect
OnePhillyConnect is a nonpartisan coalition by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity and Philadelphia community partners to advance civic awareness, education, and engagement amongst Philadelphia residents. Its goal is to help the people of Philadelphia find, understand, and access free and life-changing services from local, state and national agencies. The coalition provides trustworthy, transparent information on how to: engage with local, state, and federal resources that can save Philadelphians money and improve their wellbeing; attend events to meet other residents and get involved in the community; and participate civically and access nonpartisan voter resources. More information can be found at onephillyconnect.org.