Seventy is an advocate for improving elections in Philadelphia and PA, and works tirelessly to educate and engage voters so they can confidently cast their ballot twice a year, every year.
What We're Doing
We advocate for policies that protect the integrity of voters and the election process, and we offer a variety of programs to inform and engage voters about the candidates and the process.
Voting 101
From registering to vote, to where to vote, to what your voting rights are — the Voting 101 resources give citizens the information they need to be engaged in the democratic process year-round.
WeVote For Democracy
Seventy’s WeVote campaign prepares, inspires and informs citizens, organizations, businesses, civic leaders, and elected officials across Pennsylvania to promote a culture of voting.
Election Reform
Ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election, Seventy reviews Act 77 and ways state government can help election administration for the better.
Know what you're voting for before heading to the polls. Learn about every office, measure and candidate by creating your own ballot through Seventy’s customized digital tool.
Learn about voter registration, voting procedures, running for office and working at the polls from the Philadelphia Votes website — powered by the Office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners.
It's important for voters to not only have access to the voting process, but know how it works. This guide provides voters with the tools they need to successfully cast a valid ballot for upcoming elections.
Seventy is a hub for everyone who expects more from their government in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Stay up-to-date through our newsletter, social media, and programs.
Know who and what you're voting for, and why it matters, before heading to the polls. Learn about every office, measure and candidate by creating your own ballot through Seventy’s customized digital tool.
The Five Habits of Highly Effective Citizens
Voting is necessary but not sufficient. A thriving democracy requires active participation, so we have a checklist of five research-based habits that helps you be an effective, active citizen.
Be a Voter
Seventy provides everything you need to be an informed and effective voter. Check your registration, find your polling place, apply to vote by mail, and much more.
Being an informed voter is the first step towards active citizenship. Go one step further by advocating for change, volunteering, becoming a poll worker, or even running for office.
Committee of Seventy Awarded $900,000 in Grant Funding
The Committee of Seventy announced that it has been awarded major grants totaling $900,000 to support its work to strengthen democracy, elections and civic education in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. This includes an $800,000 grant from William Penn Foundation, matching their previous investment from 2022—the largest grant Seventy ever received in its history. Seventy will also receive $80,000 from the Agua Fund, and $20,000 from CivXNow, a project of iCivics.
Committee of Seventy Releases Columns From Transition Sessions for Mayor and City Council
The Committee of Seventy, with support from the William Penn Foundation, hosted a series of briefings beginning in the fall of 2023 to help manage upcoming transitions into office for the Mayor and City Council. In an effort to share insights from the briefings with the public, Seventy released several columns on the sessions written by Dave Davies.
Committee of Seventy Launches Poll Worker and Poll Watcher Information Sessions
For the fourth consecutive year, the Committee of Seventy, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, launched its poll worker and poll watcher virtual information sessions in advance of the April 23, 2024 primary election. Between March 1st and April 22nd, Seventy and the LWVPA will host nearly 30 sessions designed for both new and experienced poll workers and poll watchers.
Committee of Seventy Releases Statement on Changes in Philadelphia City Commissioner’s Office
Committee of Seventy President and CEO Lauren Cristella released a statement regarding the appointment of City Commissioner Omar Sabir as Chairperson and Stephanie Reid as Director of Election Administration of the Philadelphia City Commissioners.
C70 joins forces with youth voter education organization, Vote That Jawn
The partnership unifies two of Pennsylvania's leaders in civic participation and expands C70’s existing mission to connect in new ways with youth and first-time voters.
Statement on Chief Public Safety Director Charter Amendment
Seventy has become increasingly concerned about the proliferation of Charter amendments over the past 20 years. The process by which this proposed amendment was passed by City Council adds to these concerns.
Committee of Seventy Releases Democracy Agenda for Philadelphia
This blueprint for the next administration and City Council is designed to promote transparent and accountable government and strengthen democracy in Philadelphia.
Testimony on Civil Service Exemption for Citizens Police Oversight Commission
The Committee of Seventy expressed concern about a proposal to create a special carve out from the civil service system for staff of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission and urged lawmakers to instead focus on the systemic and underlying issues in recruitment, hiring, retention and promotion that plague the city workforce.
C70 Chief Policy Officer Pat Christmas submits testimony on rules reform and fostering bipartisanship to the Speaker's Workgroup to Move Pennsylvania Forward.
BallotPA Testimony on Bipartisanship for Speaker's Workgroup
BallotPA chair David Thornburgh urged Speaker Rozzi and his bipartisan workgroup members to consider allowing independents to vote in primary elections as a means to ease partisan gridlock.
Lauren Cristella Named Interim President of the Committee of Seventy
Cristella will retain the title of Chief Operating Officer as the nonpartisan nonprofit’s Transition Committee works to make future recommendations to the board.
Governor-elect Josh Shapiro nominates C70 President and CEO Al Schmidt as Secretary of the Commonwealth
Governor-elect Josh Shapiro announced his intent to appoint Al Schmidt, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, as Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Committee of Seventy Hosts National Voter Registration Day Rally and Call to Action
Committee of Seventy will announce a special raffle for businesses and organizations that sign up as WeVote partners ahead of Election Day on November 8.
On May 26, 2022, the Committee of Seventy hosted an event celebrating women in public leadership and honoring Judith M. von Seldeneck with its Civic Leadership Award.
New Reform Legislation Would Add Transparency, Public Input to Opaque Redistricting Process
Councilmember Derek Green today introduced his second package of reform legislation this year, this time proposing a special commission to gather public input for redrawing Philadelphia’s 10 City Council districts.
Councilmember’s Trial Highlights the Need for Reforms to Ethics Rules and Council Prerogative
The public will have to wait for a final outcome in Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson's trial. In the meantime, there is work to be done to bolster Philadelphians’ trust in City Hall.
Unprecedented collaboration among various stakeholders and an extraordinary increase in resources were necessary to make the 2020 elections successful. The City Commissioners and their staff will need the support of city and state officials, civic and community leaders, and businesses throughout Philadelphia again this year to ensure safe, secure, and accessible elections.
C70 Letter to the PA House of Representatives Opposing HB38
To those who value our system of checks and balances, House Bill 38 contemplates a fundamentally different relationship between the legislative and judicial branches wherein the former has unequal power over the latter. Such a change would irreparably and severely impair the governance of the Commonwealth, and would harm the independence and impartiality of our court system.
C70 urges the PA House to not advance this proposed constitutional amendment and allow HB 38 to lapse at the end of this session.
On Monday, November 29th, the Committee of Seventy joined a number of elected officials and good government groups including the League of Women Voters and Common Cause, in calling for reforms to combat corruption in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt to Serve as President & CEO of Committee of Seventy
Today, the Committee of Seventy’s Board of Directors announced that Al Schmidt has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania’s long standing nonpartisan advocate for better government.
Statement on the Conviction of Councilmember Bobby Henon and Local 98 Business Manager John Dougherty
The conviction of Councilmember Bobby Henon and Local 98 business manager John Dougherty marks a historic break from business as usual in Philadelphia politics.
Philadelphia City Council Redistricting Roadmap for an Open, Accessible and Inclusive Process
Philadelphia took a significant step forward in the 2011 redistricting cycle when several of the
most gerrymandered districts in the country were finally addressed. This was due, in no small
part, to substantial advocacy both in the communities negatively affected and by champions
within City Hall of a more fair map that strove for equitable representation.
David Thornburgh's Testimony to the PA State Government Committee
C70 CEO and Chair of the Draw the Lines PA initiative, David Thornburgh, testified on October 20, 2021 before the PA State Government Committee about congressional redistricting.
BIPARTISAN OPEN PRIMARIES LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Proposal would allow 900,000 independent voters to vote on candidates in taxpayer-funded primary elections
C70 to Kick Coffee Can of Destiny Down the Ben Franklin Parkway into New Coffee Museum
Philadelphia, PA (April 1, 2019) --- The Committee of Seventy (C70) announced today that it has negotiated rights to acquire the "Coffee Can of Destiny" (CCoD) from the Office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners and plans to donate it to a new Philadelphia Coffee Museum to be built on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Written Testimony on Bill 200363, Bill 200367 and Resolution 200377
Proposals to Reinstitute a Pre-hire Residency Requirement for City Employees and
Create a Citizens Police Oversight Commission
City Council Law and Government Committee
June 17, 2020
Statement on Philadelphia Voting System Controversy
Philadelphia, PA – With City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart’s investigation of Philadelphia’s selection process for new voting systems complete, the controversy wrapped around the chosen system seems primed to continue, as does the leadership vacuum that has persisted throughout.
Redistricting Reform Commission Releases Final Report
HARRISBURG, PA – The bipartisan Pennsylvania Redistricting Reform Commission released a final report today with recommendations to improve the process of creating legislative district boundaries. Governor Wolf signed an executive order last year creating the commission to explore ways Pennsylvania could curb gerrymandering and make redistricting fairer and nonpartisan.
Seventy Supports Wolf Administration Financing of New Voting Systems
HARRISBURG, PA – The Committee of Seventy applauds the Wolf administration’s order to issue a bond to cover the long-term investment in safe, secure voting systems. Counties around the state have taken responsible steps over the past year to procure new voting machines with voter-verified paper trails. Such equipment is essential to protect the integrity of our elections, and our local governments deserve this financial support for doing their part.
Committee of Seventy Supports the Call for a Review of City Land Sales
The Committee of Seventy is joining the call made this week by the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities for the City Controller to conduct a review of city land sales. Reporting by the Inquirer and Daily News confirm the continuation of City Council’s problematic role in land disposition, a longtime concern for Seventy.
Committee of Seventy Statement on the PA Redistricting Reform Commission
Harrisburg, PA – The Committee of Seventy applauds Governor Wolf for the Executive Order he issued today creating the Pennsylvania Redistricting Reform Commission. Furthermore, we are honored that the Governor asked our President and CEO, David Thornburgh to, chair this important group.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – With polls opening Tuesday, November 6, the Committee of Seventy’s nonpartisan Voter Guide and Election Programs are ready to engage voters and improve the voting experience in the Philadelphia area. This year, Seventy is excited to include its WeVote app in the resources voters can leverage to make informed decisions at the polls.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Committee of Seventy, the nonpartisan civic leadership organization, announces the launch of WeVote, an initiative to promote a culture voting in the Greater Philadelphia region through engaging businesses, organizations, and communities and leveraging a new mobile app by MilkCrate.
Draw the Lines PA (DTL) is barnstorming the state this fall to launch its three-year initiative to inform and engage Pennsylvanians around gerrymandering and democratic reform.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Committee of Seventy announced today the selection of its second cohort of Buchholz Fellows, six promising young Philadelphians who will spend a year as members of the Board of the century-old good government group.
The Committee of Seventy--one of the nation’s oldest political reform organizations--stands this week with editorial boards and commentators around the country in expressing deep concern about attacks on journalism and journalists, and applauds any and all efforts to push back on attempts to limit a free and independent news media.
Seventy's Statement on Gov. Wolf's 21st Century Voting Reform Plan for PA
The Committee of Seventy welcomes Governor Wolf’s support of several proposals that would help ensure representative and accountable government in Pennsylvania. Campaign finance and redistricting reform, in particular, are urgently needed to prevent special interests from exerting undue influence on the political process and to begin rebuilding trust in our democracy.
The Committee of Seventy applauds Senate State Government Committee Chairs Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) and Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) and their Senate State Government Committee colleagues for voting to approve today a compromise proposal that improves the redistricting process in Pennsylvania.
In Support of the Proposed Amendment to the Home Rule Charter Educational Supplement
What is the amendment about? City voters will decide on May 15 whether the so-called Educational Supplement to the Home Rule Charter dealing with the public school system will be amended in various parts. These changes would impact the nomination, appointment and removal process for Board of Education members and create a Parent and Community Advisory Council charged with “consult[ing] on issues pertaining to educational policy and family and community engagement in schools.”
Trust in government is at all-time lows. As polls have made clear, voters’ concern over the health of our democracy spans both the political spectrum and the Commonwealth.
Seventy's Statement on the Supreme Court's Redistricting Case Dismissal
The Committee of Seventy is gratified that the federal judiciary has let stand the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling tossing out the state’s 2011 congressional map.
Seventy's Statement on Governor Wolf's Citizens First Ethics Plan
Governor Wolf’s statement of support for sweeping ethics and campaign finance reform is welcomed. If advanced, this move at long last could finally bring Pennsylvania’s transparency and accountability laws in line with other states.
Seventy's Statement on the PA Supreme Court's Remedial Map
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling tossing out the state’s 2011 congressional map was a welcome statement that gerrymandering can become so blatantly partisan and excessive that it violates the state Constitution.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Committee of Seventy announced today the selection of five inaugural Buchholz Fellows, promising young Philadelphians who will spend a year as Board members of the century-old good government group.
Voting Rights Advocates File Suit to Ensure Accountability in May Primary
Philadelphia, Pa. – Philadelphia 3.0, the Committee of Seventy and several candidates for elected office today filed a lawsuit asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to direct the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas to replace Philadelphia’s City Commissioners with interim election officials for the May 2017 primary. The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys from the Public Interest Law Center and private counsel.
Committee of Seventy Board Elects Bret S. Perkins Chairman
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) The Committee of Seventy Board of Directors has elected Bret S. Perkins as Chairman. Mr. Perkins, who is Vice President of External & Government Affairs at Comcast Corporation, succeeds Dr. Stephen S. Tang CEO of the University City Science Center.
Philadelphians Trust Hillary Clinton Three Times as Often as They Do Donald Trump
(Philadelphia, PA, July 29, 2016): The Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia’s nonpartisan advocate for better government, and the Temple Institute for Survey Research released the results of a survey of Philadelphians today that found that they trust Hillary Clinton 53.8% of the time and Donald Trump only 14% of the time.
What Apathetic Young Voters? Committee of Seventy’s High School Election Ambassador Program Grows by 50%
(Philadelphia, PA) More than 950 high-school students from 22 high schools in Philadelphia and Montgomery County are participating in Committee of Seventy’s expanded Election Ambassador Corps trainings this spring. That’s more than a 50% increase from the number who participated last fall. The students prepared to serve as Election Ambassadors more than 1,000 polling places near their homes on Pennsylvania’s Primary Day, April 26.
Philadelphia District Attorney's Election Fraud Task Force Is Prepared For Tomorrow's General Election
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 2, 2015) - Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams today reminded voters to call the District Attorney’s Election Fraud Task Force if they experience any difficulty casting their ballot. The office’s hotline numbers are 215-686-9641,9643 or 9644. And, while joined by President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy David Thornburgh, he reminded all Philadelphians that they need to vote tomorrow.
Seventy, Philadelphia 3.0, 5th Square and Philly Set Go submit records request for information about City Commissioner Clark
PHILADELPHIA- Four civic leadership organizations committed to fair elections and good governance filed requests for information about City Commissioner Anthony Clark on Tuesday.
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).
Killing PGW Deal Cowardly and an Affront to City Taxpayers
PHILADELPHIA – October 27, 2014 – The Committee of Seventy called Philadelphia City Council’s unilateral decision today to kill a proposed $1.86 billion sale of the Philadelphia Gas Works without a public hearing an affront to the taxpayers of Philadelphia.
City Council's Stonewalling on PGW Proposal “Reprehensible”
PHILADELPHIA – October 24, 2014 – The Committee of Seventy today accused Philadelphia City Council of stonewalling to kill the proposed $1.86 billion sale of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
Committee of Seventy Names David B. Thornburgh as New CEO
PHILADELPHIA – October 22, 2014 – The Committee of Seventy has named David B. Thornburgh as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors announced Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014. Thornburgh assumes the position vacated by Zack Stalberg who retired in July. He will officially join the Committee of Seventy in December 2014.
Ellen Mattleman Kaplan To Become Seventy’s Interim President and CEO
PHILADELPHIA – June 26, 2014 – Ellen Mattleman Kaplan has been named Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Committee of Seventy, the Philadelphia-based independent watchdog organization.
Campaign Contribution Limits to City Candidates Preserved: U.S. Supreme Court’s campaign finance ruling has no local impact
PHILADELPHIA – January 23, 2014 –The Committee of Seventy expressed relief that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued today does not impact caps on contributions to most candidates elected by Philadelphia voters.
Seventy Urges Probe by Independent Counsel of Sting Operation and Dismissal
PHILADELPHIA – March 17, 2014 –The Committee of Seventy today urged the Pennsylvania General Assembly to quickly allow for the creation of an independent counsel to conduct a fair and non-partisan investigation into a dismissed three-year sting operation that allegedly captured on tape four state Representatives taking money from an undercover informant. The operation, which also involved a former Philadelphia Traffic Court judge accepting a bracelet, was reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer yesterday.
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