Monday, October 23 was the last day to register before the November 7 election.
As students were returning to campus Monday morning at the Community College of Philadelphia, the question was not, “How was your weekend?” but instead, “Are you registered to vote?”
Students who answered yes were given a small round of applause, a free frisbee, and maybe even a cookie. Yes, they were actually handing out freshly baked cookies — hot from the oven.
Olivia Edwards, a community engagement specialist from CCP’s Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership, said their goal was to register every eligible voter.
“Voting is the way that you activate your voice and your power,” Edwards said.
Edwards and a group of nonpartisan volunteers were not only there to register students, but also to help them make a plan to vote. After registering students, they asked whether students knew where their polling places were. They also asked how they would get to the polls — walk? Take public transit?
They emphasized the importance of voting in every election. For example, they explained that during off-year elections, only local candidates and judges are on the ballot, but they help decide how district maps are drawn.
Freshman Avery Lucas explained gerrymandering.
“The party that’s in power can very conveniently draw around certain communities and make the map of the districts not really representative of the population,” Lucas said. “It’s used to keep the [current] party in power. It’s used by both parties… and it’s not good. Big thumbs-down for gerrymandering.”
Polls will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7.
Philadelphia residents can check their registration status on Pennsylvania’s Department of State website. They can also click here to find their polling place.
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