Free block parties aim to boost voter registration in Philadelphia

The election is almost here and to get local voters ready, Welcome America is partnering with When We All Vote for “Celebrate Philadelphia,” a free block party series to encourage voter registration and civic engagement.

“Welcome America is proud to be partnering with Every Voice Every Vote and When We All Vote to produce the Celebrate Philadelphia block party series,” said Nicole Allen, Chief Operating Officer, Welcome America, in a statement.

“Voting and participation in our democracy is something to celebrate, and celebration is what Welcome America does best. Projects like this are a natural extension of the festivals and events that we are known for, and we are thrilled to be able to utilize expertise to create events that encourage Philadelphians to engage in their community and make their voices heard.”

The free, dual-part block party event will take place at two of the City of Philadelphia’s satellite election offices. As a release notes, the goal is to increase participation in the 2024 General Election by encouraging voter registration, celebrating engagement in the civic landscape, and building community through entertainment.

Welcome America, Inc. is known around the City of Brotherly Love, When We All Vote, on the other hand, comes from Michelle Obama’s national, nonpartisan voting initiative and another organization: Every Voice, Every Vote.

“Our vote is our voice and our power. Pennsylvania voters have power, and using their voices at the ballot box is truly a reason to celebrate. When We All Vote is on a mission to increase participation in each and every election by meeting voters where they are. We’re excited to partner with Welcome America, Inc. to bring Philadelphia voters together through these block parties and make sure every Philadelphia voter is registered and ready to make their voices heard this year,” said Beth Lynk, Executive Director of When We All Vote, in a statement.

The dual block parties will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 4029 Market Street and Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 2301 N. Broad Street. Both will feature performances, conversations, sponsor activations, community vendors and giveaways. Highlights span rodeo themed games and a mechanic bull (Oct. 12) and a skating rink with jumbo games (Oct. 19.)

Both events will also feature a dialogue curated by A Seat at the Table Foundation (ASATT). According to the release, the local organization aims at increasing voter turnout and fostering civic engagement, particularly among millennials, Generation Z, and underrepresented communities by combining a focus on voter education, community mobilization, and inclusive panel discussions to empower individuals to participate in the democratic process.

The Committee of Seventy (the state’s leading nonpartisan advocate for better government and stronger democracy) will also be on site both weekends with a Voter Hub.

To find out more information about “Celebrate Philadelphia”, visit welcomeamerica.com