Hi John ,

This Tuesday, May 20th is Election Day!
Make a plan to vote! Polls are open from 7am - 8pm.

Are you stopping by your polling place in the morning before work, or are you stopping by after picking up the kids? Are you bringing a friend with you?
Primary elections are so important because it is your opportunity as a voter to make your voice heard and vote for the candidates who you want to represent you and your party for the general election in November.


Don't miss the opportunity to make your voice heard! Make a plan now to vote on Tuesday!

The Philadelphia Citizen ([link removed] put together how-to-vote guides so that you can step into the voting booth (or fill out a mail-in / absentee ballot) with confidence.Make Sure Your Ballot Was Accepted ([link removed] Your Polling Location ([link removed] Your Voting District ([link removed] who is on the 2025 primary ballot ([link removed]

You may need to know your voting district if one or more districts share the same polling location. This will allow you to confidently step into your polling location and find the right place to check in.


In Pennsylvania, a photo ID is required for first-time voters or those voting in a new division. If you are voting for the first time at that polling location, don't forget to bring a photo ID -- a student or work ID will work if it has your photo.

Spotlight PA's
Election Center ([link removed]
is live with information you can use as you prepare to vote!
Get answers to your questions with our AI-powered Election Assistant ([link removed]
Everything you need to know about mail voting ([link removed] becoming a poll worker ([link removed]
Guides to Commonwealth, Superior Courts ([link removed] vetting judicial candidates ([link removed]
Guides to State College school board ([link removed] Reading City Council president ([link removed]
Guides to voting as a college student ([link removed] para votar por correo ([link removed]
Philadelphia VBM Ballot Delay
According to reports from the Philadelphia Commissioners, ballots did not reach voters until last Wednesday due to ballot delays caused by petition challenges. We recommend taking your ballot to a dropbox or a satellite election site.


You can find the closest drop off location here ([link removed]
([link removed] A PLAN TO VOTE
([link removed] Case You Missed It:
Episode 3 of Slingshot The Podcast Has Dropped 
([link removed]
With episode four set to drop next Thursday, make sure you check out episode three of Slingshot The Podcast is called “Listening to Our Ancestors” — and it’s a word you don’t want to miss.

Slingshot The Podcast ([link removed] — where the misunderstood voice becomes the culture’s power is hosted by our Founding CEO, Kadida Kenner, and Charles Gregory, from We Talk Weekly. ([link removed][0]=AZUKjLeSev4JJHknOJz4XhKfaSZXjupTuK14JJZxlDHOm2PlJQyE4jRaliQkaLHW5cKbqoX1eIgokc8qCVuW-h1R3ew1wmGZd6QwFcFhm8s1sj_1lvFDo-bNcz0Y02fxze9S7eI3Ib0sk6YNJbyrO0WAxhpcNhXseKpCeB4p2s08FcBbcvoOzFnydLox1AKNLv8CcoHqexJ2F7PaoUfwFCXH&__tn__=-]K-R&blm_aid=78408)

In this deeply personal and politically charged episode of Slingshot The Podcast, host Kadida Kenner delivers truth with urgency and unapologetic pride.


In Episode 3 of Slingshot The Podcast, hosts Kadida Kenner and Charles Gregory unpack what it means to “listen to our ancestors” in today’s turbulent political climate. From the wisdom of Harriet Tubman and Fannie Lou Hamer to modern-day trailblazers like Rep. Jasmine Crockett and former VP Kamala Harris, the hosts explore how Black women have long been the backbone of social and political change—and why it's time we trust their leadership.

This episode dives into:
Honoring the legacy of Black women who fought for freedom, voting rights, and equity
Understanding why some Black communities are choosing to #SitStill and #StayHome

The truth about the Hands Off rallies and the difference between protest and movement
The power of multiracial organizing and civic action in 2024

A passionate call to action on voter registration and participation in local elections, Kadida shares a powerful personal story of meeting Rosa Parks and reflects on the enduring wisdom passed down through generations. Charles challenges us to consider the difference between yard signs and real action.


Together, Kadida and Charles shine a light on what it means to move with purpose, protect Black joy, and organize across lines of race and difference.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unheard, or fired up—this episode is for you.

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement.


Listen to us on Spotify ([link removed] Apple ([link removed] Amazon Music ([link removed] iHeartRadio ([link removed] Player.FM ([link removed] and Gaana ([link removed] Plus, watch us on YouTube ([link removed]

Connect with us:
Instagram: @slingshotthepodcast ([link removed]

Facebook: SlingshotThePodcast ([link removed]
Youtube: @SlingshotThePodcast ([link removed]

TikTok: @slingshotpodcast ([link removed]
Email: [email protected]
([link removed] IT HERE
([link removed] Philadelphia Judicial Candidate Forum
On May 8th, founding CEO Kadida Kenner moderated a judicial candidate forum at Sam Staten Jr. Training Center in Philadelphia.


The event was hosted by Philadelphia Community Stakeholders. ([link removed] Courts Matter Presentation at Open Door Clubhouse

On May 9th, in honor of mental health awareness month, we led a why courts and voting matters session for the staff and members of Open Door Clubhouse ([link removed][0]=AZVBKU0Np0inkA8TNyFvLanRuoXcOMJt9Tf-Ytrvq7-UnKu_5jS_mLCPsuQ9pGFtHG_XQto0AtXF0hW-i1M51Jh6FFrScmWO6sMcigLj58UqlkDiEXXy9qieaevs85BTHuaJLMnb2JK1BpM3T9DlGsQ2uu68OBpD0djgtgXVtjmNNUlcUvF5bgJrVt8ckqTlZxU&__tn__=-]K-R&blm_aid=78408) (COMHAR ([link removed][0]=AZVBKU0Np0inkA8TNyFvLanRuoXcOMJt9Tf-Ytrvq7-UnKu_5jS_mLCPsuQ9pGFtHG_XQto0AtXF0hW-i1M51Jh6FFrScmWO6sMcigLj58UqlkDiEXXy9qieaevs85BTHuaJLMnb2JK1BpM3T9DlGsQ2uu68OBpD0djgtgXVtjmNNUlcUvF5bgJrVt8ckqTlZxU&__tn__=-]K-R&blm_aid=78408)).


They service folks living with mental health and intellectual disabilities in the Kensington, Philadelphia community. COMHAR serves more than 5K individuals each month.
Folks with mental disabilities can absolutely vote in PA!


Founding CEO Kadida Kenner and Chief Development and Grants Officer Katy Personette are proud to be a part of their advisory board.Pittsburgh School Board Candidate Forum

On May 9th, affiliated organization New PA Project Education Fund ([link removed]]K*F&blm_aid=78408) hosted a Pittsburgh School Board candidate forum, moderated by our Senior Director of Campaigns and Engagement, Dr. Kimeka Campbell.

The discussion allowed audience members to hear how the candidates plan to impact our schools and students.

You Registered to Vote, Now What?

On May 8th, affiliated organization New PA Project Education Fund ([link removed]]K*F&blm_aid=78408) hosted an online voter education and engagement event to inform voters about their actionable steps after getting registered.

This series of events will help participants understand Pennsylvania’s election calendar and how to stay engaged year-round!Allegheny Courts of Common Pleas
Judicial Candidate Forum

On May 12th, affiliated organization New PA Project Education Fund ([link removed]]K*F&blm_aid=78408) hosted a Courts of Common Pleas Judicial Candidate Forum for Allegheny county at Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg.

The forum was moderated by Rachel Bracken, Senior Regional State Courts Manager at Alliance for Justice (AFJ).
([link removed] THE RECORDING
([link removed]

From @newpennsylvania ([link removed]

During #AAPIHeritageMonth ([link removed] we honor the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to U.S. history.⁠
⁠
Get to know the case of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark (1898):⁠

⁠
Wong Kim Ark was a Chinese American born in San Francisco in 1873. ⁠
⁠
After visiting his parents in China, he was denied reentry to the U.S.—even though he was born on American soil.⁠
⁠
The government claimed that because his parents were Chinese immigrants, he wasn't a citizen.⁠
⁠

Wong Kim Ark refused to accept this injustice. He took his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 1898 ruled in his favor, affirming that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ nationality.⁠
⁠

This landmark case established the foundation for birthright citizenship in America. #CourtsMatter ([link removed]
⁠
#SCOTUS ([link removed] ([link removed] ([link removed] ([link removed]
([link removed] ON INSTAGRAM
([link removed]
The 14th Amendment ([link removed] states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” “All persons” means all persons, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

The Constitution is clear, and the Court must be too: citizenship is guaranteed to virtually all people born in the United States, and no President gets to change that.

This interpretation of the 14th Amendment runs contrary to how it has been understood since the Supreme Court ruled on the issue in 1898 — just 30 years after the amendment was ratified — in Wong Kim Ark v. United States.

On Thursday, May 15th, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Trump v. CASA. The justices seem divided on scaling back orders ([link removed] blocking Trump’s birthright citizenship ban. Partially at issue is whether a single judge can block an order nationwide.
Rather than ask the Supreme Court to weigh in on birthright citizenship, the Trump administration asked the court to stop the lower courts’ ability to make nationwide injunctions against his executive orders. The Trump administration wants the court to narrow the nationwide injunctions to cover only the people and groups that are sued.

On April 24th, we spoke about the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia opinion explaining the court’s order granting a preliminary injunction that blocks the Election Assistance Commission from taking steps to carry out key parts of the anti-voting executive order.

A preliminary injunction is temporary relief. It preserves the status quo until the courts decide on the merits of the case. Courts often look to the public interest underlying the law giving rise to the legal claims at issue in the case to determine whether an injunction would be in keeping with the public interest.
Amanda Frost, ([link removed] who heads the University of Virginia’s immigration program, said she’s taken aback that the justices are considering changes to courts’ power to issue nationwide injunctions in this birthright citizenship case. “This is the poster child for needing nationwide injunctions,” she said. Without it, she said, Trump would have been able to unilaterally carve out exceptions to a long-held constitutional right, and only those who individually sue could get relief from it.

Speaker of the House McClinton’s bill (HB 1396) passed through the State House on Tuesday, May 12th, along party lines, 102-101. We applaud the members of the House in passing this bill that represents much needed modernization efforts.

Democrats in Harrisburg ([link removed] recently introduced this landmark voting rights bill, HB 1396, or the Voting Rights Protection Act, sponsored by House Speaker Joanna McClinton. “House Bill 1396 responds to the needs of our most essential election stakeholders and would make all of our elections free, fair, efficient, uniform, safe and secure,” said McClinton. ([link removed]

HB 1396 represents a promising approach to election modernization that maintains security while expanding access.


The legislation would improve ([link removed] the administration of the state’s elections while strengthening ballot access for Pennsylvania’s eligible voters. This legislation is designed to encourage public participation in our elections by reducing barriers that keep people from casting their ballots.

With proper coordination and implementation planning, this legislation could meaningfully improve Pennsylvania's election system in three key ways:
Expand access to the ballot box through machine-based early voting
Crucial updates like electronic poll books and recount reform to modernize and secure our elections
Standardized ballot drop box requirements
Practical improvements to mail ballot procedures
Mandatory mail ballot cure procedures, and
Pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds

blend-


This week U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor ([link removed] a stern message to the legal profession: stand up for democracy, take on the hard fights and do whatever you can to win: “Our job is to stand up for people who can’t do it themselves. Our job is to be the champion of lost causes....With all the uncertainty that exists at this moment, this is our time to stand up and be heard.”


This echos a past message from the Congressional Black Caucus: “Be creative. Be relentless. Be unapologetic in your commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure that every American has their vote counted no matter how they look or where they live. No lawsuit is too trivial when it comes to the voting rights of citizens.”

Support for the aggressive pro-democracy movement is so important at this critical time. The messages from the representatives in PA House, Justice Sotomayor, and the Congressional Black Caucus highlight why we must pay attention and take action.


The best way to make your voice heard is to vote. Voters in Pennsylvania vote twice a year, every year. This Tuesday, May 20th, is Election Day! Make a plan to be there and cast your ballot.

In the News this week:


This week signified the 40th anniversary of the MOVE bombing, and an official day of remembrance and reflection for its victims ([link removed] Take time to remember and reflect, the Inquirer has archival coverage of the horrific event ([link removed] or listen to the latest episode of the podcast series “MOVE: Untangling the Tragedy.” ([link removed]

Democrats Were Prepared to Pass New Voter ID Requirements in Pennsylvania. Then Republicans Hit the Brakes. “The stalled vote on a voter ID bill, which was paired with a sweeping bill reforming the state election code, was intended to break a years-long stalemate on election policy in the General Assembly.”

House Panel Votes to Repeal Closed Primaries in PA. “A week before the 2025 Pennsylvania municipal primary election, the House State Government Committee advanced a bill that would permit independents to vote in what have been closed primaries in the Commonwealth.”


A Trump-appointed judge in Pennsylvania became the first to uphold Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act, though the judge said the amount of notice the Trump administration is giving to the people targeted by the AEA is “constitutionally deficient.” The ACLU plans to appeal the ruling.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously ([link removed] Thursday that the totality of circumstances must be considered when determining whether a police shooting is justified — not just the split seconds before an officer opens fire. The broader standard is likely to make it easier for victims to prove allegations of excessive force in court.


Action YOU Can Take:

Justice Department leaders ([link removed] “have removed all of the senior civil servants working as managers in the department’s voting section and directed attorneys to dismiss all active cases, part of a broader attack on the department’s civil rights division.”

The department itself was founded ([link removed] efforts are reflected in the SAVE Act, which if enacted would be the worst voting law ever passed by Congress. It would require citizens to produce a passport or birth certificate to register or even to re-register?blm_aid=78408) in large measure to protect the voting rights of Black formerly enslaved people after the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Division is considered a crown jewel. Now those efforts are at risk.

-- was there another paragraph here -- it might have got displaced -- if not blend or cut

If the SAVE Act is defeated — if, in fact, it never comes to a vote — let’s not just move on. This would be a signal victory.


History doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes. The fight to vote has been a defining struggle throughout American history. Always, people have had to press to get or keep access to our democracy, and just as consistently, some have tried to shrink the circle.
It is now headed to the Senate.

Senator Fetterman and McCormick have both sent responses to constituents on their current stance on the SAVE act bill. The responses can be found below.

Fetterman’s letter: Fetterman Letter.jpeg ([link removed]
McCormick’s letter: McCormick Letter.jpeg ([link removed]


This bill is a form of voter suppression. If it becomes law, this bill will disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, especially immigrants, Black and brown communities, married people, and young people.⁠
⁠
Democracy works when everyone has access to the ballot. Let’s protect that.⁠

Calling your U.S. Senators only takes a few minutes, but can have a huge impact!


You can do your part by calling our U.S. Senators and asking them to protect our voting rights by voting NO on this bill, You can even use this script. The Pennsylvania GOP seeks to gain control of state’s highest court, where final decisions are made on voting and abortion


Our founding CEO, Kadida Kenner, was recently quoted in this article from WHYY ([link removed] about the correlation between the courts and voting rights.

“That has Kadida Kenner, a voting rights activist and CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project, concerned about the impact on how the court makes those decisions. She says that a “MAGA majority” on the court would lead to voter suppression, as well as restrictions on reproductive rights."

“There are some folks in these political times that are trying to make decisions coming out of our courts more political,” she told WHYY News, adding that the stakes have never been higher."
“It’s really important to ensure that our congressional districts and those maps are not gerrymandered politically or racially,” she said. “And it’ll be the state courts to determine whether or not people have access to abortion in the Commonwealth.”
([link removed] MORE
([link removed] Supports Election Reform

New Pennsylvania Project signed on to support a PA House bill (HB497 ([link removed] to prohibit multinational corporate political spending. Introduced by Representative Joe Webster, this legislation would prohibit spending by multinational corporations in Pennsylvania elections, closing a loophole created by the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC. This bill passed the House last session with bipartisan support. If passed it would be transformative for Pennsylvania elections.


Related News this Week:

Untraceable money boosts Dems in Pittsburgh mayor’s race, via PublicSource 
Thank you for staying informed and engaged!
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