Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5 and the 2024 general election features a wide range of races and candidates with diverse records on LGBTQ+ issues — with the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump drawing the most focus. Meanwhile, other federal and statewide contests hold significant potential to shape policies impacting LGBTQ+ communities. If you’re looking for more information on each candidate’s LGBTQ+ track records, take a look at PGN’s LGBTQ+ Voter’s Guide and be sure to know the location of your polling place.
Here is a roundup of some things to keep in mind during Election Day in Philadelphia.
Election Task Force to oversee primary voting process in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office issued a statement Monday about its Election Task Force (ETF), which will be on duty for the municipal primary election starting at 7 a.m. on Nov. 5, to ensure polling location compliance and address any reported infractions. The ETF, comprising prosecutors and detectives from the DAO, will work in coordination with the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The ETF will investigate all complaints and potential violations of the Pennsylvania Election Code fairly and thoroughly, according to officials. Voters who encounter issues at polling places are encouraged to call the ETF hotline at 215-686-9641. They may also contact the national, nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.
For questions regarding the election process, the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office is available at 215-686-VOTE. Voters who experience any violence or threats at their polling station should immediately call 911.
Furthermore, the ETF will remain active until every vote is certified, including those cast by overseas and military voters. If you are in line to vote by 8 p.m., you must be allowed to cast your ballot.
“I want to assure Philadelphians that their right to vote will be protected, thanks to the partnership between the DAO’s Election Task Force, the City Commissioners Office, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, and federal entities,” said DA Larry Krasner. “I also want to thank the assigned prosecutors and detectives of the DAO’s Election Task Force who investigate and resolve complaints lodged by Philadelphia voters each and every election. Lastly, I urge ALL Philadelphians to go to the polls and VOTE tomorrow in this historic and extremely important election.”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the police department will ensure a “safe and fair election.”
“To that end, we are working closely with our City Commissioners, the Managing Director, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to ensure that all lines of communication are open before, during, and after the election,” Bethel said. “We all stand ready to make sure that we are aware of any potential efforts to disrupt an orderly and safe election.”
City Commissioner Chairman Omar Sabir added that, “Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy, and I would be damned if it dies here.”
“Under my watch, voting in Philadelphia will remain safe and secure,” Sabir said. “And remember: The more you vote, the more you get.”
Celebrate the end of Election Day in the Gayborhood
Jason Evans and the Tavern Group invite Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community to join an election night celebration recognizing local efforts in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats across Pennsylvania.
The evening kicks off with a block party from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by a drag show featuring Brittany Lynn at Tavern on Camac from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Attendees can then head to UBar to watch the election results live, with coverage continuing from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tavern on Camac will also host karaoke from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Organizers say the event aims to provide an upbeat space for the community to unwind after their hard work — and to offer a chance to ease the tension as election results roll in.
To register to attend or for more information on this free event, visit its mobilize.us page.
