For Immediate Release: Monday, November 25, 2024
Contact: Genevieve Greene, ggreene@seventy.org, 617-785-6991
Philadelphia, PA – Between June and November, the Committee of Seventy (Seventy) strengthened its commitment to educating and empowering Philadelphia and Pennsylvania voters. Through partnerships, public programs, multilingual digital and print resources, and accurate, reliable election information, Seventy reached over 350,000 individuals, equipping them with the tools to navigate an intensely scrutinized election with confidence.
From demystifying mail-in ballot processes to explaining the Senate race recount, dispelling election myths, supporting Satellite Election Offices, training and recruiting poll workers, and providing comprehensive candidate information via its Interactive Voter Guide, Seventy served as a trusted nonpartisan resource for voters.
“During a pivotal and closely watched election, the Committee of Seventy ensured voters had access to clear, factual, and nonpartisan information,” said Lauren Cristella, President and CEO. “We met people where they are—through multilingual materials, neighborhood outreach, and in-person and virtual events—to empower voters with the confidence to cast their ballot.”
Highlights include:
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Expansion of the WeVote Program: This summer and fall, Seventy expanded its WeVote partnerships, offering free, nonpartisan, resources and trainings to any company or organization in PA. Seventy’s 211 partners span small businesses to large corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, arts and culture groups, colleges and universities, and nonprofits serving seniors, people who have experienced chronic homelessness, returning citizens, and those with disabilities.
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Interactive Voter Guide: Accessed this year by 23,900 users, the Seventy Interactive Voter Guide is an online tool available in 12 languages that is updated each election cycle. The tool offers comprehensive and nonpartisan information for voters across the Commonwealth. Voters simply entered their address and could find information on candidates, offices up for election, ballot questions and voting procedures. Voters could create a sharable sample ballot, find their polling place, check their registration, and learn about their rights and responsibilities as voters.
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Poll Worker Preparation and Recruitment: In partnership with the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, Seventy held 26 informational sessions for prospective poll workers, attracting over 350 registrants. In addition to Poll Worker 101, Poll Watcher, Q&A and E-Poll Book sessions, for the first time, Seventy also introduced de-escalation training to equip poll workers with strategies to ensure a safe and peaceful voting environment. These efforts played a critical role in preparing poll workers for Election Day and helped Philadelphia achieve full staffing at every polling location.
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Student and Youth Engagement: In 2024, more than 22,000 students participated in Seventy’s mock elections and classroom workshops, hosted Studio C70 candidate interviews, and joined Can We Talk? discussions – designed to introduce students to skills and habits that promote productive dialogue across differences, countering political polarization and student anxiety.
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Free Community Events: Along with its partners, Seventy hosted 45 on-demand information sessions and participated in over 20 voter education events, provided information at more than 40 community events, promoted the Office of the City Commissioners in launching Philadelphia’s new Satellite Election Offices, and joined the Philadelphia 76ers for a Vote Early Day celebration. On Election Day, Seventy hosted three events at high-traffic Philadelphia polling locations including West Philadelphia High School, South Philadelphia High School, and Bright Hope Baptist Church, in partnership with many WeVote partners and OnePhillyConnect, Pizza to the Polls, DJs to the Polls, Urban League of Philadelphia, PA Youth Vote, Vote that Jawn, League of Women Voters PA, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Arts Engagement: Seventy worked alongside local artists and arts organizations to engage children and adults on Election Day through art activations, hosted by Fleisher Art Memorial, Taller Puertorriqueño, Arshayla Robinson, Jamee Grigsby, and Ted Woods.
“All of our election initiatives center around creating a culture of voting, and celebrating this right,” added Cristella. “We are committed to deepening this work, building partnerships, and preparing voters for every election, every year.”
For more information on Seventy’s voting and election programming and resources visit live-c70.pantheonsite.io/.
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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/.