Hi John,
Welcome to the latest New PA Project Education Fund (NPPEF) newsletter!
As a voting rights organization, we are vehemently opposed to any additional barriers that would make it more difficult to register to vote, and to make our voices heard at the ballot box. The Trump administration's March 25th executive order attempts to disproportionately harm working people, young voters, new Americans, anyone who has changed their name, such as married women, and Black and brown communities. The government already has the information it needs to determine who is eligible to vote. This order wants to strip that fundamental right from more than 21 million eligible Americans who can’t produce, don’t have, can’t afford, or struggle to access the required documents. This attack on our voting rights, voter registration, and access to the ballot makes the work that we do more important and impactful than ever.
In 2025, we have the freedom to vote in local, municipal and judicial elections. No matter what the executive order states, it does not have any impact on our Pennsylvania local, municipal, and judicial elections. Make sure you make your voice heard at the polls.
#DefendDemocracy |
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From @newpennsylvania
"While being "apolitical" may sound like a high ground, it is the least useful stance in a democracy.
Let's unpack why this statement is problematic:
Oftentimes, those who say they are not political are likely comfortable with the current political climate. They are likely privileged enough to be comfortable. #CheckYourPriviledge
Someone struggling in our current society wants to know if their government is going to make decisions that help them survive.
Someone who is comfortable has the privilege to turn a blind eye to their government.
Whichever is you, you benefit from the rights and freedoms advocated for by those before you. You hold a responsibility to partake in politics - which means staying informed about your society and using your rights (like voting!).
Comic by @sanitarypanels "
#Democracy #USA #Politics |
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WHAT ARE EXECUTIVE ORDERS? |
There's a good amount of confusion about what an executive order is, what they can and can't accomplish, and why they matter.
An executive order is a legally binding mandate, or instruction, on federal executive branch agencies only. It is a road map for those agencies on how to implement the federal law. It DOES NOT have power over independent entities like Congress or the courts.
Executive orders are not law. They are simply an expression of how the President intends to exercise powers he already has. It is important to understand that the executive orders of the Trump administration include actions that are either beyond the President's power to take wholly by himself or potentially unlawful.
"An executive order can be challenged in federal court and can be overturned by a federal judge (or by Congress) if that order is a misuse of a president’s authority in violation of Article II of the U.S. Constitution."
An executive order is not something that gives a president additional powers. So far, most of the current administration orders have been challenged by our courts, and will continue to do so. Make your voice heard. Let your U.S. Congressperson know you are paying attention! |
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| Earlier this week, our teams gathered statewide for a professional development workshop. Many overcame their fears of public speaking. We want to make sure our team members give their best, and always work with integrity. One of our staff members had this to say: "Getting to really know each person and what pushes us makes the connections even better!" |
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Why Court Matter 401 Virtual Town Hall |
Thursday night we continued the conversation around why courts matter and how they affect your quality of life.
In a very engaging zoom session, New Pennsylvania Project's founding CEO, Kadida Kenner, answered attendees questions and explained topics like cross-filing. She also went over the dangers present when the checks and balances of government are not respected, and what you can do to help protect the courts' independence! |
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Two years ago, PA set the record with the most expensive judicial elections ever. With control of the PA Supreme Court up for grabs this year will be no different.
After Trump issued his executive order on Tuesday, Democratic election officials and voting rights advocates swiftly vowed to fight it. This attack on voting rights highlights the importance of courts and why we need to take very seriously the judicial election happening in Pennsylvania this year. Without proper checks and balances, all of our rights are at stake.
Meanwhile, Michigan GOP lawmakers asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review their ability to challenge voter-approved amendments to the state constitution that protect ballot access, claiming these initiatives undermine their authority to regulate federal elections. It is clear that the attacks on voting rights won't stop. Neither will the attacks on judges defending those rights.
The latest coming from the Speaker of the U.S. House, Mike Johnson, who suggested potentially defunding, restructuring or all together eliminating US federal courts as a means of pushing back against the power judges have to challenge Trump’s policies.
In Pennsylvania, voters have the opportunity to help ensure that our state courts remain independent and fair. There are three retention elections for the state Supreme Court this year. The decisions made by Pennsylvanian voters in November will continue to impact residents for years to come. Here is a list of all the judges up for retention elections in PA this year. |
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Let's defend democracy together!
We're looking for extra hands in Erie, Lehigh Valley, and the Collar Counties to help us shape the future of Pennsylvania.
Join our team and help us provide civic education in our communities and register folks to vote!
Positions start at $20 an hour.
Interested? Contact [email protected]
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On Tuesday, March 25th Pennsylvanians in some parts of Allegheny and some parts of Lancaster counties made their voices heard.
Voters in the 35th State House District (Brentwood, Mount Oliver, McKeesport, and parts of Pittsburgh) elected Dan Goughnour (D) to fill the vacancy due to the passing of State House Representative Matthew Gergely.
In what some may call an upset, voters in the 36th State Senate District (covering much of northern Lancaster County, like Akron, Columbia, Ephrata, Elizabethtown, Lititz, Manheim, and 14 other townships) elected East Petersburg Mayor James Malone (D) to fill the recently vacated seat held by State Sen. Ryan Aument.
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It's not just about civic education - it's about making connections in our communities. |
| Spring brings
new beginnings
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With new teammates and refresher trainings, our teams are feeling excited about serving up civic education this spring.
Primary elections will be here sooner than we know (May 20th!). Remember that in order to vote for a candidate during the primary elections you need to be registered to vote with one of the two major political parties. |
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Workshop at a High School |
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Canvassing in Lancaster City
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Canvassers in the Capital region were excited to speak with voters this week |
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Super voters vote twice a year, every year! |
Thank you for doing your part to stay informed and engaged! |
Last day to register to vote: Monday, May 5, 2025
Primary Election: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Last day to register to vote for the General Election: Monday, October 20, 2025
Last day to request mail-in ballot: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
General Election: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
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Voter Hotlines:
Voter Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE
DOS PA Voter Hotline: 1-877-VOTESPA Spanish/English Hotline: 1-866-VE-Y-VOTA
Asian Languages Hotline: 1-888-API-VOTE Arabic/English Hotline: 1-844-YALLA-US |
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Paid for by the New PA Project Education Fund
New PA Project Education Fund
PO Box 453
West Chester, PA 19381
United States |
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