With the deadline for registration fast approaching, it's time for voters - that means you - to start thinking about the issues.
While technically just the Democratic primary, the May 15 election will essentially decide who the next mayor will be, since the city rarely votes Republican. A host of important referendum issues will also be on the ballot, most notably regarding the controversial casino proposal.
The DP Opinion Page has been full of reasons to register and vote this year, but in case you've forgotten:
Student tuition dollars go into programs the University cooperates with the city on.
Students benefit from city services, which includes things like police protection and snow clearance. This is a chance to express contentment or frustration with the status quo.
Penn students, even if they never leave campus, are residents of Philadelphia, and have a responsibility to be involved in civic affairs.
To help you navigate the election process, the DP has provided you with the nuts and bolts of who is running and how to vote. Below you'll find out how to register, how to get an absentee ballot, who's running for mayor and how to get more information about the candidates.
And look out next week for the DP's mayoral candidate endorsement, as well as more detailed information about the candidates and ballot issues.
May 15 is just around the corner - are you ready?
Names to know How to register Important dates and deadlines
April 16: Last day to register to vote in the primary
May 8: Last day for absentee-ballot registration
May 15: Democratic primary election
May 16: First day to register to vote in the November 6 general election
Registering to vote
- All Penn students are eligible to vote in Philadelphia as long as they have a Philadelphia address and are not registered in another state
- Visit the Pennsylvania voter registration Web site at: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/voting/cwp/view.asp?a=1192&q;=442984
- For more information, call 1-800-552-VOTE
Absentee voting
- Absentee ballots are only for voters who will not be in the city on Election Day
- To obtain a request form for an absentee ballot, visit http://www.dos.state.pa.us/voting/cwp/view.asp?a=1193&q;=442991&votingNav;=|
- To obtain a hard copy of the form, visit the Penn Democrats' registration table on Locust Walk
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