(PHILADELPHIA) – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker joined Philadelphia City Commissioners today to unveil the first, permanent satellite election office in West Philadelphia, located at 4029 Market Street. The office aims to make essential voting services more accessible to eligible voters.
In ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible for Philadelphia citizens, the permanent office is a one-stop shop that offers a comprehensive range of services for voters. Eligible city residents can register to vote, update their registration, and request their mail-in ballot, all under one roof with assistance from County Board of Elections staff. A mail-in ballot drop box is conveniently located directly outside the office, so residents can submit their ballots on–site. When this office opened on Monday, March 25, 2024, it was the first permanent satellite election office to open in the Commonwealth.
At the press conference, Mayor Parker joined Philadelphia City Commissioner Chairman Omar Sabir, City Commissioner Seth Bluestein, Pennsylvania Department of State Secretary and former-Philadelphia City Commissioner, Al Schmidt, State Senator Vincent Hughes, State Representative Regina Young, along with other elected and appointed City officials and non-partisan advocacy and community leaders, to celebrate the inaugural opening of the first of 10 permanent satellite election offices with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The remaining offices are slated to open before the General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
“Philadelphia is a leader in election innovation,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “I want to thank the City Commissioners for their commitment to safe, fair, transparent and accessible elections. By opening these permanent satellite election offices in every City Council District, the City Commissioners under Chairman Omar Sabir are protecting our democracy by ensuring Philadelphians’ right to vote and encouraging voter participation.”
“Permanent satellite election offices demonstrate Philadelphia’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process,” said Philadelphia City Commissioner Chairman Omar Sabir. “Many Philadelphians lack internet access beyond their phone and seniors may have a harder time accessing voting information and services online. However, satellite election offices aim to eliminate those hurdles, ensuring that our elections are truly fair and accessible.”
“I am proud our first permanent satellite election office is in the heart of West Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein. “The office is strategically located along a significant and historic commercial corridor with easy access to public transportation. The office at 40th and Market Street as the first step of the Commissioners’ long-term satellite election office expansion. The Commissioners are unwavering in our commitment to improve access to resources for all Philadelphians, facilitating safe, secure, and accessible elections across the city.”
“Satellite offices, such as this one, improve voter access by bringing county Board of Elections services closer to where voters live and work,” said Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania Department of State Secretary and former-Philadelphia City Commissioner.
“The City Commissioners are implementing creative solutions to address barriers to voting access,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “This is how we increase participation in our democracy and encourage Philadelphians to make their voice heard. I encourage everyone to exercise their civic right and make use of this office.”
“I’m thrilled that the City Commissioners are working to make Philadelphia residents’ sacred right to vote more accessible with the opening of new satellite election offices,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner. “My office will continue to work with the Commissioners’ Office and all of our partners to ensure that everyone’s vote is protected.”
“I welcome the City Commissioners to West Philadelphia,” said Third District Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. “As we approach the upcoming presidential election, the eyes of the world will be on our city again. We are thrilled that the first permanent satellite election office, located in West Philadelphia, will make voting safer, easier, and more accessible than ever.”
“In a moment where elections are increasingly contentious, the satellite election offices are an important part of the County Board of Elections’ effort to ensure Philadelphians can safely and easily access resources,” said Renee Garcia, City Solicitor.
“We believe that access to the ballot box is a justice issue. It is imperative that voters can easily register to vote and cast their ballots for candidates who, if elected, will craft laws and policies that impact us all,” said Jen Coatsworth, Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor.
This is the only satellite election office to open in Philadelphia since the 2020 elections and the first intended as a permanent location. Its opening comes ahead of the upcoming Pennsylvania primary election on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
View Photos from the first 100 days of the Parker Administration here.