Philadelphia voters are gearing up for the 2024 general election, set for November 4, and city election officials are urging residents to take advantage of mail-in ballots to ensure their voices are heard. While the official ballot has not yet been finalized, Elections Commissioner Seth Bluestein said the city expects it to be completed and printed during the week of September 22, following the usual timeline for a general election.

“Preparing for a smooth election is our top priority,” Bluestein said. “We want to do everything we can to get more people to participate.”

📌 Story Highlights

• Election Date: November 4, 2024

• Key Race: District Attorney rematch – Larry Krasner vs. Pat Dugan

• Other Major Contests: City Controller, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, judicial retention votes

• Voter Deadlines:

  • Register to vote by October 20 (midnight)

  • Apply for a mail-in ballot by October 28

  • Return completed ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day

• Voting Options: Mail, drop boxes, satellite election offices

• Poll Workers Needed: Up to $295 pay

District Attorney Race Draws Attention

The spotlight is on the District Attorney race, which features a high-profile rematch between incumbent Larry Krasner and former Municipal Court President Judge Pat Dugan. Krasner won the Democratic primary, while Dugan received enough Republican write-in votes to appear on the general election ballot.

Dugan said he hopes to attract not only his traditional Democratic supporters but also Republicans, independents, and minor-party voters. “A lot of people complain about the system but then don’t show up on Election Day,” he said. “Having served in Iraq, I see voting as a privilege. With a mail-in ballot, you can vote safely from home, without the hassle of lines.”

Other Races on the Ballot

• City Controller: Democrat Christy Brady faces Republican Ari Patrinos, a race that determines how taxpayer money is overseen.

• Superior Court: Democrat Brandon Neuman, Republican Maria Battista, and Liberal Daniel Wassmer are competing.

• Commonwealth Court: Democrat Stella Tsai takes on Republican Matt Wolford.

• Local Courts: Residents will also vote for Common Pleas Court, Municipal Court, and the positions of judge and inspector of elections.

In addition, voters will decide retention votes for judges on the state Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Common Pleas Court, and Municipal Court. Commissioner Lisa Deeley noted that three city judges will retire this fall. Two seats will open on Common Pleas Court, and one on Municipal Court. The winners of these races will receive the so-called “Golden Ticket,” bypassing the need for a Democratic primary.

Mail-In Ballots and Voter Deadlines

Voters are reminded that the deadline to register to vote is midnight on October 20. Applications for mail-in ballots in Philadelphia must be submitted by Tuesday, October 28.

Residents can request a mail-in ballot in multiple ways:

• Online: PA Voter Services

• By Mail: Print Mail-In Application PDF

• In Person: Satellite election offices at 6420 Frankford Ave., Mayfair Shopping Center, and 1619-81 Grant Ave., Grant Plaza, open weekdays.

“Mail-in ballots can be printed right on the spot,” Deeley said. “We want to make it as easy as possible for voters to participate.”

Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, either via mail to City Hall, Room 142, or dropped in official ballot boxes. A full list of drop boxes is available at vote.phila.gov.

Civic Engagement and Turnout

Voter turnout has been a concern, especially after the primary, which recorded only 16.61 percent participation. Deeley emphasized the importance of voting in all races, not just the high-profile contests.

“This is a big-deal election,” she said. “Choosing a district attorney affects criminal justice, and selecting a city controller impacts how tax dollars are spent. Every vote counts.”

Dugan encouraged residents to take voting seriously. “Wake up and vote. Be a good citizen. Mail-in ballots give you convenience and ensure your voice is counted,” he said.

Poll Worker Recruitment

Election officials are also calling for more poll workers, especially from Northeast Philadelphia. The role pays up to $295, with payments issued within three weeks after the election. Interested residents can sign up at vote.phila.gov or call Deeley’s office at 215-686-3460.

As Philadelphia voters prepare for the Nov. 4, 2024 election, the city emphasizes participation through mail-in ballots, satellite offices, and drop boxes. From the high-profile DA rematch between Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan to races for City Controller, Superior Court, and local judges, every vote matters. Residents are urged to meet voter registration and mail-in deadlines, stay informed on all contests, and take part in shaping the city’s future.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.