VOTE

[desh]

We may be seeing an outbreak of civic optimism. Most of the voters tell pollsters they are unhappy with the direction of the city. I think that signals discontent with the present, not pessimism about the future....

This election could offer proof that there is a constituency for a Philadelphia that is neither corrupt not contented. That we can be a city that draws new people and new jobs, an ancient urban place that is still brimming with vitality — with more to come....

We are poised on the threshold of change. Tuesday will tell us what the next step will be.

--Tom Ferrick, Philadelphia Inquirer, May 13, 2007

This is the most important election for this city since back when you had to flip grey switches and pull red levers to vote for mayor. So, Democratic Philadelphians, you're all voting today, right?

Find your polling place at the Committee of Seventy's website. Also, contact them immediately if you see anything wrong, which has historically taken the form of union campaigning within polling places. The ballot is long and turnout will be high, so there will be lines. But you've got all day, and nothing more important to do. So go. Consider it a favor to me, if necessary. Just, please. Read more about the candidates. And VOTE.

Comments

[jessebeller.livejournal.com]

so whats the big deal?


also, when did philly stop using the switches-and-lever machine? we still use it in new york, and i kinda think it rocks.

[t3chnomag3.livejournal.com]

I never got to vote using levers. I only ever got to see my dad vote that way, when I was REAAAAAAALLY little.

[desh]

Mayors here are elected to 4-year terms, are limited to two terms, and always win the second term. So this is essentially the first time in 8 years that we realy get to steer the city somewhere. We're not in any particular crisis (like we were 16 years ago today), but it's a cool opportunity nonetheless.

The impetus for switching machines was the November 2000 Florida stuff. I think we had new machines by November 2001, give or take an election. But I really miss the old way. It was impossible to vote wrong, and you really had the sense that the machine was DOING something. Something that couldn't possibly be hacked or erased.

[jessebeller.livejournal.com]

i totally agree about the lever machines.
i mean, florida didnt vote with levers, why should philly have to give them up?

[alanscottevil.livejournal.com]

Lever machines are actually the second-most prone to breakdown of all election machines, but I miss them anyway! :(

[arcati.livejournal.com]

Yep, I will be heading to the polls as soon as I get home today.

[desh]

Yay!!!

[krisispm.livejournal.com]

I'm working remotely today for a myriad of reasons, on of which being that I don't want to vote at the last possible second like I usually do.

[desh]

Vote early! And vote often!

[intangiblehugs.livejournal.com]

hooray for just under-the-wire absentee ballots!

[desh]

Yay!

Milton Street for President!!

[dagoski.livejournal.com]

Yep. I'm voting. I actually like at least some of my candidates too.

Re: Milton Street for President!!

[desh]

miltonstreet2007.com