PHILADELPHIA – The Office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners today unveiled a comprehensive, aggressive communications campaign developed to mobilize all eligible adults citywide to vote in the November 3, 2020 election.
Realizing the unique challenges that the pandemic presents to voter participation this year, the “My Vote. My Way.” campaign is aimed at educating the community on the additional choices voters have for casting their ballot. It also focuses on ensuring them that voting is safe and secure—and that whichever way they choose to vote, it will count. Materials will be provided in English and Spanish.
“We are confident that the elevated support we’re offering through ‘My Vote. My Way.’ will go a long way in making sure Philadelphia voters know their options and develop a plan to vote,” said Lisa Deeley, chair of the City Commissioners. “With just four weeks before the election, educating voters–and assuring them that voting next month will be safe and secure–is paramount.”
The assurance of “However you want to vote, we’ll help you find the way,” also plays a prominent role in campaign materials, to further convey the City’s understanding of the special concerns Philadelphians have about the upcoming election process—as well as the extra steps leadership is taking to support voter activities.
“From concerns about COVID-19 and voter safety to the misconception that ‘my one vote won’t matter’ and everything in between, the challenges to motivating voter registration and voting this year are greater than ever,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “But, for many of the same reasons, the stakes are higher than ever. Our country, our city, and our neighbors need every adult Philadelphia resident to make their voice heard at the polls this November 3.”
The “My Vote. My Way.” campaign focuses Philadelphians on the choices they have for voting as well as critical deadlines that will help ensure that, whichever option they choose, they will not be left behind—and that their vote will count. Secondary messaging works to reinforce that each voice matters and that it’s important for all adults to vote. The key choices and deadlines emphasized in the campaign include the following:
- October 19 is the deadline for voters to register.
- Voting choices
- By mail: Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted by October 27. Voters can apply online or by mail.
- Early-bird: Several satellite election offices throughout the city are open, where voters can request, receive, and return their ballots all in one place—and do so before November 3.
- In person on November 3: The City emphasizes that polling places will follow all guidelines for keeping voters safe but also that in-person voters should be prepared for a longer wait than usual. At the polls, individuals should wear a mask and cooperate with volunteers to maintain proper social distancing.
In addition to the overall call to action to register and vote, all campaign materials encourage individuals to visit PhiladelphiaVotes.com for details, and extensive resources on all three voting options.
In order to reach as many people as possible and to connect with target audiences where they are and in ways that help overcome challenges specific to certain populations, the voting campaign combines mass-media communications with targeted grassroots outreach, and utilizes a wide range of communications methods in order to reach Philadelphians multiple times between now and November 3. Communications tactics will include social media; newspaper and radio ads; out-of-home advertising, including public transportation and mobile billboards; grassroots distribution of posters and flyers leveraging outlets such as stores on commercial corridors as well as high-traffic grocers and convenience stores; and flyer drops at houses of worship.
Samples of “My Vote. My Way.” materials can be viewed here. For additional voter resources and updates on Philadelphia voting, visit PhiladelphiaVotes.com.