More Than 90 Prosecutors, Detectives Assigned to Election Task Force to Ensure Safe, Free Election Day
CONTACT:
Jane Roh, 215–686–8711, jane.roh@phila.gov
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 2, 2020) — District Attorney Larry Krasner joined with law enforcement and city leaders on Monday to discuss preparations to ensure a safe and efficient November 3rd general election in Philadelphia.
The District Attorney’s Office Election Task Force (ETF) will be working in close coordination with the City Commissioners and Philadelphia Police Department to investigate violations of the Pennsylvania Election Code and other criminal activity at polling locations on Tuesday. This is the first time that the Election Task Force has been fully staffed and on call one month before an election and past the day of the election.
“Thanks to round-the-clock work by the City Commissioners and Pennsylvania Department of State, more than 2.2 million mail-in ballots have already been submitted by voters across the Commonwealth. Local and state elections officials deserve our gratitude for navigating unprecedented headwinds that included the COVID-19 pandemic, partisan lawsuit after partisan lawsuit, and Internet-fueled threats and misinformation,” District Attorney Krasner said. “I want Philly voters to be assured that we are all working together to make sure you have a clean and fair Election Day. I do not expect any threats or harassment tomorrow, but let me be clear: Anyone intending to steal Philadelphians’ votes by breaking the law to disrupt a fair and free election could find themselves in a jail cell, facing criminal charges and a Philadelphia jury wondering why you thought it was okay to steal their votes.”
“The Philadelphia Police Department continues to plan with partner city agencies to ensure that the propriety of this election is upheld in accordance with the laws of our Commonwealth and our Municipality,” Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw stated. “To that end, we will be working with our partner law enforcement entities, as well as other city stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response in the event that PPD services are called upon.”
“We appreciate the efforts of the DA’s Task Force, the City Commissioners, and all those who are working to ensure that this election is fair, is conducted with integrity, is accessible, and is counted accurately,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “We know all Philadelphians have been through a difficult year, and you know the importance of this election. If you encounter attempts to interfere or influence your voting, contact the Task Force. And remember to be patient. If you encounter other sorts of frustrating or difficult situations on Election Day, let your inner strength guide you. Stay calm, stay respectful, stay above the fray. With your help, we are confident that our city will shine as an example of how to run an election right.”
More than 90 Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) and DAO Detectives will be monitoring and responding to voting-related complaints about unlawful electioneering, intimidation, and other issues, when the polls open at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning and until the last voter in line by 8:00 pm when polls close has cast their ballot. Election Task Force members will be assigned with Philadelphia Police, the FBI, and other law enforcement partners throughout the city.
The ETF will remain active until election results are certified, which is normally about three weeks, during which time voting machine totals are tabulated, and mail-in ballots — including military and overseas ballots, which have always been accepted up to seven days post-election — are counted and/or recounted. Results on Tuesday night have always been projections and sometimes take some time to confirm.
Members of the public are encouraged to report possible criminal attempts to interfere with or influence voting by calling the DAO Election Task Force hotline, 215–686–9641, as well as the national nonpartisan Election Protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE.
“Our staff has been working tirelessly in preparation for a day that many Philadelphians have been greatly anticipating,” said Lisa Deeley, chair of the City Commissioners. “If you’re voting in person tomorrow, make a plan ahead of time: Visit PhiladelphiaVotes.com to confirm your polling location, wear a mask and bring PPE — if you forget, we will provide it for you — and be prepared for a modest wait time due to physical distancing requirements.”
“Elections in Philadelphia have historically been conducted with very few problems, and we do not expect tomorrow to be any different. At the same time, we are aware of heightened concerns due to the pandemic and other recent events,” Commissioner Al Schmidt said. “Our staff are trained and ready to answer your questions, and we will be communicating with the Police and District Attorney throughout the day should any issues arise. If you have questions about where to vote or how to vote, call the PA Election Hotline: 877–868–3772.”
“Among the rules we expect everyone to follow: only certified poll watchers who live in Philadelphia, election board workers, judges of elections, and voters may enter a polling place,” Election Task Force Assistant District Attorney Andrew Wellbrock said. “There can be no electioneering within 10 feet of the entrance to a polling place. Police officers and armed troops must stay at least 100 feet away from the entrance unless voting, serving warrants, or being called upon to preserve the peace. Philadelphia has not seen any reported incidents of violence at polling places in the six years I have helped lead the Election Task Force. We will be working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure November 3rd isn’t any different.”
For updates from the Election Task Force throughout Tuesday, follow the @PhilaDAO Twitter account.
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.
