Philadelphia Senior Voter Field Day engages hundreds ofhigh school students in civic participation ahead of 2024 Election

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 10, 2024 — PA Youth Vote and the Committee of Seventy, in collaboration with other partner organizations, hosted the Philadelphia Senior Voter Field Day, a full-day event aimed at tackling historically low voter turnout among young adults aged 18-29 and inspire Philadelphia high school seniors to participate in the upcoming general election. The event brought more than 200 students from schools across the city to Martin Luther King High School for a dynamic day of field activities, voter and civic education, and community building.
“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, and young people hold the power to shape the future,” said Kamryn Davis, Philadelphia Regional Director at PA Youth Vote. “Today, we didn’t just register voters – we empowered students to become lifelong participants in the civic process.”
Throughout the day, students participated in several interactive field day activities, including tug of war, a ballot relay race, and art stations, all designed to connect fun with learning about voting and civic responsibility. Students could register to vote on-site and had the opportunity to meet with representatives from nonpartisan community organizations and the Philadelphia City Commissioners to learn more about the voting process.
The event also included a mock election hosted by the Committee of Seventy, which gave students hands-on experience with the voting process. By simulating Election Day procedures, students learned how to navigate polling places, use e-poll books, and cast their ballots.
“This event provided an invaluable platform to engage young people, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to realize how impactful their voices can be,” said Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy. “Young voters are the driving force behind the future of our democracy, and events like this are key in empowering them to take ownership of that role and understand the true power they wield in shaping our society.”
The Philadelphia Senior Voter Field Day was organized by PA Youth Vote in partnership with the Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, the Philadelphia City Commissioners, Black Voters Matter, and the School District of Philadelphia. Participating schools included Martin Luther King High School, Academy of Palumbo High School, Parkway Northwest PSJA, Kensington Health Sciences, and Penn Treaty High School.
The event culminated with an announcement of mock election results and a final call to action, encouraging students to participate in the “Give Us A Ballot” Vote Early Day March later in October.
The Philadelphia Senior Voter Field Day is part of a broader effort to increase youth voter turnout and civic engagement, particularly among students of color and those who are not attending college, who have historically been less likely to participate in elections. By providing a hands-on, fun environment to learn about voting, the event organizers hope to foster a new generation of active, informed voters.