Happy Wednesday Activists! Last night's victory by progressive Judge Janet Protasiewicz to the Wisconsin Supreme Court was a huge win, not only for Wisconsin but for our democracy. Now Wisconsin has a chance to fix it's very gerrymandered districts and uphold reproductive freedom, among other rights. And it looks like the 2024 presidential election electoral count will be honest in that key state. But this was not an overnight victory story. Ben Wikler, chair of the WI Democratic party, runs a year-round, no-off-year strategy. And this is what works. We have the same vision. Even though we were tired after the mid-terms and took a well deserved rest, we are back at it, talking to voters. Below you can see four opportunities to register voters this month and we hope you'll sign up! Newly registered voters turn out in high numbers so we want to reach as many as we can. We have super important statewide races this fall so stay tuned. And in other news, we have a May 16th election coming up -- you may have noticed! With all the ads for the mayor's race, it's hard to remember that there are SO many other races we'll see on the ballot. So we will start rolling out information on who is running and the resources to understand their backgrounds, plus the deadlines we have coming up. First, the deadlines and Ballot Questions. The next time, we'll cover judicial races.
ELECTION DEADLINES! First things first - are you ready to vote? Here are the three key dates: May 1 -- Deadline to register to vote. Need to register or change your address or name? Do it here. May 9 -- Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot. BUT DON'T WAIT! Do it now so you have time to make sure your ballot is returned in time to be counted. May 16 -- Election Day How will you vote? Voting at the polls? Polls are open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you're not sure where to vote, find your polling place here. Voting by mail? If you haven't already, sign up to vote by mail here - ASAP! When will the mail-in ballots be mailed out to us? In a call yesterday with the City Commissioners office, I was told that they are waiting for rulings in at least four different lawsuits (3 for judges, 1 for mayor + maybe 1 for a council seat) before they can print the ballots. Once the last ruling is issued they will start printing the ballots the next day. At the very least they will be mailed out three weeks before election day.
BALLOT QUESTIONS These are usually so hard to determine so we're giving you the resource to find out more. You can find the best details of what these ballot questions mean in this Inquirer article. Ballot Question #1 Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to create the Division of Workforce Solutions within the Department of Commerce and to define its duties? Ballot Question #2 Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to expand the requirements for annual minimum appropriations to the Budget Stabilization Reserve, more commonly known as the “rainy day fund”? Ballot Question #3 Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to make employees of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission exempt from civil service hiring requirements? Ballot Question #4 Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to create the Office of the Chief Public Safety Director and to define its powers, duties and responsibilities?
MATCHING GRANT NEWS! We have exciting news! Indivisible is once again generously offering its matching grant program. From today until the end of May, for every dollar donated we will receive a matching dollar up to a total of $500.00. So now’s your chance! When you donate now any amount you donate will be doubled! Click here to make your donation. Thank you for your support!
ASK CONGRESSMAN EVANS TO SIGN CONGRESSMAN BOYLE'S LETTER Ask Congressman Evans to sign on to Congressman Boyle's letter about avoiding default and commit to demanding a clean bill to raise the debt ceiling. See more detail in last week's newsletter. And then call Congressman Boyle and thank him for writing the letter. Rep. Evans – D.C. office 202-225-4001; Phila. office (215) 276-0340; email link Rep. Boyle – D.C. office 202-225-6111; Phila office 215-335-3355; email link.
REGISTER NEW VOTERS! We have a good lineup of voter registration opportunities for you in April, right before the May 16 primary. Clark Park -- 4 More Saturdays! Where: Baltimore Avenue & South 43rd Street 1). When: THIS SATURDAY! April 8, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here. 2). When: April 15, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here. 3). When: April 22, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here. 4). When: April 29, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here.
35 Doors Project Talk to voters in your neighborhood to get out the vote. This is some of the most important work you can do - and it's fun! Check out our 35 Doors Project! Email us here for more info.