Civics 101 – March 18, 2025
Again, I ask this question. If Election Day were tomorrow, do you know what you’re doing when you go into your voting booth or when you fill out the vote- by-mail form?
First of all, the primary election for Pennsylvania is set to take place on Tuesday, May 20 this year. In Philadelphia, we will be voting for a District Attorney and City Controller, and there are two seats available on the bench for new judges. We also have three questions on the ballot to consider come May 20.
The questions that will appear on the ballot are as follows:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Increase Minimum Spending on Housing Trust Fund Purposes Amendment (May 2025):
A “yes” vote supports increasing the minimum amount that must be allocated for spending on Housing Trust Fund purposes in the city’s operating budget each year.
A “no” vote opposes increasing the minimum amount that must be allocated for spending on Housing Trust Fund purposes in the city’s operating budget each year.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ombudsperson for Office of Homeless Services Amendment (May 2025):
A “yes” vote supports creating the Office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson, which would advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, investigate client complaints, and provide oversight and recommendations to the city’s homeless service providers.
A “no” vote opposes creating the Office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson, which would advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness, investigate client complaints, and provide oversight and recommendations to the city’s homeless service providers.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Prison Community Oversight Board and Office Amendment (May 2025):
A “yes” vote supported amending the Philadelphia
Home Rule Charter to establish an independent Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and an Office of Prison Oversight, with City Council authorized to determine their composition, powers, and duties.
A “no” vote opposed amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to establish an independent Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and an Office of Prison Oversight.
Let’s also look at the upcoming critical deadlines before the Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Primary Election in Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, March 12 was the last day to circulate and file nomination petitions for the above-mentioned offices that are up for grabs. Tuesday, March 18 is the last day to file objections to nomination petitions.
The ballot lottery happens on Wednesday, March 19. That’s when candidates find out their position on the ballot for election day. Wednesday, March 26 is the last day for withdrawal by candidates who filed nomination petitions.
Monday, May 5, 2025, is the last day you can register to vote if you plan on voting in the May 20 primary. Don’t wait until the last minute to handle your business. Get yourself registered to vote now. Start by calling the Philadelphia City Commissioners Office at 215-686-3462. They will direct you from that point on as to how to get registered to vote. It’s as simple as one, two, three.
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