PHILADELPHIA – The Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement (OPE) is partnering with the Philadelphia City Commissioner’s Office to host a voter registration drive in honor of Octavius V. Catto. The voter registration drive will be held on Thursday, October 4, at Dilworth Park near the Octavius V. Catto Memorial— “A Quest for Parity.”
In September 2017, the O.V. Catto memorial, the first statue in the City’s collection dedicated to a sole African American, was erected on the southwest apron of City Hall. The statue followed years of advocacy and fundraising led by educational and civic leaders throughout the region, including Mayor Jim Kenney.
“The right to vote is not something that should be taken lightly or for granted,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “It’s important that we honor those who fought for this sacred right by making sure we show up to the polls for every election. Our democracy depends on civic participation and I urge all Philadelphians to both register to vote and make their voices heard this election day.”
Born in 1839, Octavius Valentine Catto was a major in the Union Army during the Civil War, as well as a scholar, educator, athlete, and member of the Union League, the Library Company of Philadelphia and the Franklin Institute. Catto was also a civil rights activist who desegregated trolley cars in Philadelphia in the mid-1860’s. Catto was gunned down on Election Day — October 10, 1871 — at the age of 32 while on his way to the polls to serve in his official capacity as a National Guardsman assigned to protect newly registered African American voters.
OPE and the City Commissioners will be registering eligible voters next to the groundbreaking art installation from 12pm-6pm.
“As we approach what will be a monumental election, it’s important to recognize and honor the leaders that paved the way so that all Philadelphians can vote,” said Ajeenah Amir, OPE Director. “I’m moved by his legacy and excited to center this effort on the life of O.V. Catto – a black man that gave his life over 200 years ago so that I and others like me – women, people of color and young people – can use our voices in voting booths across Philadelphia.”
“Octavius Catto gave his life for all citizens’ right to vote,” said City Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Deeley. “It is up to everyone to honor that legacy by making sure that we are all registered and participating in every election. If you are not yet registered or need to update your registration, I can think of no better event than this one to do it before the deadline on October 9th.”
To register to vote in Philadelphia, a person must be:
- A citizen of the United States for at least one month before the next election.
- A resident of Philadelphia and a part of their election district for at least 30 days before the next election.
- At least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next election.
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November general elections is October 9.
For more information about this effort, email public.engagement@phila.gov.