Mystery Shopper

Fixing A Voting Envelope That is Sealed Shut

I planned to vote early, by mail or drop box. But like hundreds of Philadephians, I received a pristine ballot — and stuck-closed secrecy and mailing envelopes. City Commissioners’ Office to the rescue!

By Citizen Mystery Shopper

It’s Voting Season in PA!

Mail-in ballots for the 2024 general election in Pennsylvania are on their way to your mailbox. Here, the answers to all your voting FAQs.

By The Philadelphia Citizen Staff
2024 Integrity Icon

Eric Kapenstein

The Deputy City Commissioner helping to oversee election integrity and efficacy cut his teeth in 2020 — and is ready to bring that fairness and accuracy to our next big election

By Lauren McCutcheon
Your City Defined

Philadelphia City Commissioners

The elected trio is responsible for running all elections in Philly, from registering voters to counting the votes.

By Lauren McCutcheon

What’s Ahead for the 2023 Philadelphia General Election

The May Primary will answer some questions about who will lead the City for the next four years. Philly 3.0’s engagement editor previews what will still be up in the air come November

By Jon Geeting

Mr. Schmidt Goes to Washington

Former City Commissioner Al Schmidt’s testimony this week before the Jan. 6 committee was a reminder that maybe integrity isn’t dead yet

By Larry Platt

Who Should Replace Al Schmidt?

The democracy-defending city commissioner is resigning next year. Philly 3.0’s engagement director urges Mayor Kenney to appoint a courageous, accomplished—and Republican—staffer to help run our city’s elections

By Jon Geeting
Guest Commentary

Don’t Abolish the City Commissioners

A business owner and civic leader argues that pulling off the 2020 election should make us rethink calls to eliminate the row office

By Larry Ceisler

Now Can We Abolish the City Commissioners Office?

Republican Al Schmidt says he won’t run again. Is now the time to make a much-needed change to how our elections are run?

By Jon Geeting

Power The Polls

The city needs to recruit another 4,000 people to work the polls on November 5. Here’s why it matters — and some ways we can prevent this last minute scramble in the future

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy