Committee of Seventy

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April 1, 2023

Lawmakers target elections and licensing in DOS budget hearing

The PA Department of State's $35m budget request was scrutinized by lawmakers during Appropriations Committee hearings this week. Of particular interest was the department’s work to upgrade the state voter database, known as SURE, and the state's participation in ERIC, an interstate agency that assists in maintaining up-to-date voter lists but has recently become subject to conspiracy theories. Acting Secretary Al Schmidt emphasized the need to cooperate with other states to track transient voters who neglect to update their registration records, but the topic seems likely to continue surfacing. Schmidt also acknowledged ongoing challenges in filling vacant positions, which is impacting the department’s elections divisions as well as its numerous other duties related to professional licensing and corporation applications.

Clear and present confusion on ballot rules

A state court has dismissed a case brought by the Republican National Committee that sought to block counties from allowing voters to fix or “cure” errors on their mail ballot-return envelope like a missing signature or handwritten date. The result leaves in place a status quo of patchwork policies, with some counties providing for such a cure option while others don't, leaving some ballots needlessly vulnerable to rejection. But in addition to harming voters, counties can also expect more lawsuits until the General Assembly makes needed reforms to ensure uniformity and mitigate the risk of disenfranchisement. As Lycoming County election director Forrest Lehman said bluntly: “Now no matter what a county does, someone will sue you.”

Experts weigh in: Hear C70’s Senior Advisor on Election Administration Jeff Greenburg and other experts discuss the implications of the current law in this SpotlightPA panel.

Ethics takes center stage in Allegheny County

The race for Allegheny County's next chief executive has become increasingly contentious, with County Treasurer John Weinstein drawing fire from other candidates and scrutiny from the press. Reports have highlighted huge checks made to candidates and allegations of a secret deal to get Weinstein back on a powerful county board, spurring rival candidates Michael Lamb, Dave Fawcett and Sara Innamorato to pledge their commitment to ethics and campaign finance reform. This stands in stark contrast to Philadelphia, which already has most of the reforms being called for in Allegheny and where public safety is the dominant issue of the mayoral race. That said, Philly has a long way to go and Seventy’s Democracy Agenda is the roadmap.

Before you vote: C70's Interactive Voter Guide, used by 150,000 voters every year, is going live next week for the primary races in Philly. By mid-April, the guide’s coverage will expand to races in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. It will contain bios of candidates and their responses to C70’s questionnaire, all to help prepare you to cast a ballot. Sign up at ballot.seventy.org for updates.

In the meantime, Philadelphia voters can learn more about the candidates running for municipal office by checking out our Philadelphia Primary Voter Guide.

Caught Our Eye

Anne Spector, an educator with C70's youth civics program, teaches youth in Philadelphia about how they can be involved in their home community. (Photo courtesy of Taller Puertorriqueño through our partnership with Ceiba.)

Roll Call

On Our Radar

Campaign finance, lobbying reform languish

Solid reform bills are introduced by lawmakers of both parties every session but rarely can they get traction in Harrisburg, Spotlight PA highlights amid the Legislature’s budget season..

Sen. Fetterman expected to return in mid-April

CBS reports Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is expected to return to the Senate the week of April 17, following treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland since mid-February.

'Papergate' case heard in Congress

Congress held an unusual hearing focused on a local election issue, investigating the ballot paper shortage on Election Day in Luzerne County in November 2022.

TV ads crank up in Philly mayor’s race

Former Councilmember Derek Green is the sixth mayoral candidate to have a TV ad presence. Candidates have so far spent more than $8.3 million on TV.

Philadelphia wants more cash for a ‘rainy day’

A question on the May 16 primary ballot asks voters to approve changes to a complicated financial formula, with the goal of building a better financial reserve.

Amen Brown still faces financial issues

A judge admonished the West Philadelphia state representative Amen Brown who is running for mayor for failing to properly disclose debts and financial interests.

Communication breakdown

The potential water contamination crisis last weekend caused panic in Philadelphia. Experts say vague, late, and “very confusing” communication played a significant role.

Events

Understanding the Judicial Rating Process

Tues., April 4, 12-1 pm

Facebook Live

Seventy will welcome Matt Olesh and Chimdi Tuffs of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Campaign for Qualified Judges for a conversation about how the association issues ratings for judicial candidates, why these ratings matter, and what you can do to inform your community about judicial races this year. RSVP on Facebook.

Philadelphia City Council At-Large Candidate Convention

Tues., April 11, 4-7 pm

WHYY Independence Civic Space

150 N. 5th St., Philadelphia

Seventy, WHYY, the Philadelphia Inquirer and Every Voice, Every Vote are sponsoring a convention for voters to come meet directly with the 35+ candidates running for at-large positions on City Council. This event will run like a reverse job-fair. Voters can approach candidates at their table to discuss issues. This event is made possible with the support of the Lenfest Institute’s Every Voice, Every Vote project. RSVP.

Voter Hub at FDR Park

Sun., April 16, 11 am-4pm

FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad St, Philadelphia

C70, Friends of FDR Park and the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia host a five-hour opportunity for eligible citizens to register to vote, apply for a mail-in ballot, question experts on voting and receive nonpartisan resources in several languages to prepare them to vote in the May 16th primary election. We'll also have bilingual volunteers on-hand and election related crafts for kids. Join us!

Our Vote, Our Future Mayoral Forum

Mon., April 17, 6-8 pm

Columbia North YMCA

1400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia

The Urban Affairs Coalition, the Greater Philadelphia YMCA and One Day at a Time host a mayoral forum that will offer Philadelphians an opportunity to voice their hopes, concerns and what they know will make Philadelphia an ever-better place for all of us. The focus will be on such top-of-mind issues as education, youth development, health equity, substance abuse recovery, housing, equitable economic development and gun violence. Moderators: Urban Affairs Coalition CEO Sharmain Matlock-Turner and Shaun Elliott, the president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. Register.

The Last Word with the Committee of Seventy

Tues, May 2, 6-7:30 PM

Save the Date! C70 is hosting a forum for mayoral candidates that gives voters a chance to zoom out and focus on the big issues two weeks before the election. Stayed tuned for more information.

Appellate Courts Candidate Forum

Tues., May 9, 6-7:30 PM

Zoom

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts will host a virtual forum with the candidates for Pennsylvania's appellate courts: the Supreme Court, Superior Court and Commonwealth Court. All of the candidates have been invited to participate, and virtual attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for the candidates. Co-Sponsors include the Allegheny County Law Library, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Bar Association, the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the C70. Register.

2023 Women in Public Leadership Event

Tuesday, June 6, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

The Committee of Seventy’s Second Annual Women in Public Leadership event features a timely and important conversation on the vital role the media plays in a democracy. Dr. Kerry Sautner, Chief Learning Officer for the National Constitution Center, will moderate the discussion between Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large and Founder of the 19th*; Lisa Hughes, publisher & CEO of The Philadelphia Inquirer; and Sarah Glover, VP of News & Civic Dialogue at WHYY to discuss their path to leadership, how news organizations can strengthen democracy, and the challenges and opportunities their industries face in light of the heightened partisanship facing our nation. C70 will also honor renowned civic leader, Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition, for her tireless work advancing social and economic justice, promoting voter engagement, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Sponsorship and ticket information.

Get Involved

Poll Worker Training Sessions

Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 pm, Now through May 4th

Online

Seventy, the League of Women Voters and veteran poll workers have partnered as part of the Pennsylvania Poll Worker Project to offer resources and supplemental info sessions for individuals seeking to staff polling places on Election Day across Pennsylvania. (Note: These sessions are not official trainings from a County Board of Elections, and participants are not compensated for their attendance.) Learn more about our poll worker sessions, and sign up.

Seventy's membership program broadens, diversifies, and expands our community of champions of local democracy. Become a member and receive notification about Event signups, Annual Membership Impact Reports, C70 swag and Invitations to members-only experiences and receptions.

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