Hi John , Welcome to the latest New Pennsylvania Project newsletter with all the news you can use, upcoming events, the latest podcast, and more! |
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Chester County report cites human error, training gaps after Election Day poll book problems
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"Chester County Commissioners are facing continued questions from voters after releasing a report detailing what caused widespread poll book problems, long lines and extended voting hours during the 2025 general election."
Kadida Kenner, founder and CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project, urged county leaders to focus on rebuilding voter confidence.
"Mistakes do happen. Unfortunately, it happened on Election Day, and a very important election. Make sure you're providing training to your staff. Make sure Pennsylvanians feel good and comfortable about casting a ballot every year," she said." |
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| Watch the Chester County Commissioners Board of Elections Meeting, where founding CEO Kadida Kenner was in attendance to speak (timestamp 2:14:25) |
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Chester County blames ‘human error’ for Election Day poll book issue |
“Management did not ensure there were checks and balances,” said Elizabeth Sieb of Caln Township. She called for accountability during the Chester County election board meeting on Feb. 3 in West Chester at the Justice Center. (Jen Samuel/MediaNews Group) |
"Kadida Kenner is the chief executive officer of the New Pennsylvania Project, a voting rights organization based in West Chester that works with people of color and disenfranchised communities.
“We found Election Day to be very problematic,” Kenner said.
“There’s a lot of Pennsylvanians out here who are not being registered to vote, who refuse to be part of the political process because of things just like this,” Kenner said, adding they already distrust the political process.” |
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With temperatures below freezing across the Commonwealth this past week, NPPEF canvassers moved to meet Pennsylvanians where they are--indoors!
Pictured above is NPPEF's Allegheny County team, assisting folks get registered to vote at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). |
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Pictured above is the NPPEF Erie team at various career fairs. |
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ICYMI: Episode 17 of Slingshot The Podcast |
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| Starting from the Michael Jackson 1996 classic “They Don’t Care About Us”, the crew digs into the shocking reality that U.S. citizens have reportedly been picked up or detained by ICE in their own neighborhoods.
No due process.
No clear oversight.
No real accountability.
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If you’ve ever wondered, “what would I have done about injustice during the 1960s?” — this episode challenges you to look at what you’re doing right now. Are you speaking up? Protecting your neighbors? Paying attention to who has power…and how they use it? |
Mark your calendars for a new episode on Friday, February 27th
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Environmental Justice Community Conversation about the Chester Incinerator |
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| Monday, February 16, 2026
6:30PM-8:00PM
Widener University
Webb Room
1 University Place, Chester, PA
Free food and parking. Open to the public. All are welcome. Join neighbors, advocates, and local leaders for an open, honest conversation about the incinerator, its impact on our air and health, and what environmental justice looks like for our community.
Special guest speakers include:
-Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots
-Professor Loyd Bastin, Widener University
-Kristin B Motley, Health Commissioner of the Chester City
-More to be announced! |
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As Long As We Have The Vote, We Have Hope:
An Evening with Kadida Kenner
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 @ 7-8:30PM
PXV Recreation Center
501 Franklin Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Hosted by Diversity in Action - Phoenixville, join us for an evening with Kadida Kenner. All are welcome, come as you are. |
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| Project Beloved Community Teach-In & Rally
New Date + Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 @ 1:30PM-4:30PM
Zion Baptist Church
3600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
Our City is strong, but many families are struggling. Some people don’t have safe homes, good jobs, or safe neighborhoods. We can’t wait for someone else to fix this.
We Want:
A Living Wage for Every Worker – No city worker should live in poverty. Housing for Our Families – We need more homes regular people can afford. Safer City Streets – We can stop gun violence by helping people. |
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Voter Registration Training for Grassroots Groups |
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| Interested in learning more about the state of our voting rights in Pennsylvania? Would your grassroots group, social group, place of worship or community based organization like to help Pennsylvanians get registered to vote? If so, please take a few minutes to complete this form and we can coordinate the New Pennsylvania Project and your group/org for in person or online community conversation and voter registration training. |
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From @newpennsylvania
Black history never takes a day off around here.
Join us throughout February as we honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history, and today. #BlackHistoryMonth
Pictured here is U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm of Brooklyn, NY announcing her entry for the Democratic nomination for the presidency at the Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn on January 25, 1972. She was the first woman and first African-American to seek the nomination from one of the two major political parties.
#BlackLivesMatter #BlackHistory
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| Call both of your U.S. Senators and House Representatives and tell them to vote NO on both the SAVE Act and MEGA Act because this is an attack on voting rights.
Hold your elected officials accountable to serve their constituents.
Call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
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INVEST IN OUR YEAR ROUND EFFORTS |
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Everything we do, from hosting town halls and producing podcasts, to knocking on doors, expands Pennsylvania's electorate by engaging Pennsylvanians to be civically involved and encouraging them to turn out to vote twice a year, none of it would be possible without you. |
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Last day to register to vote for the Primary Election: May 4, 2026
Last day to request mail-in ballot: May 12, 2026
Primary Election: May 19, 2026
General Election: November 3, 2026 |
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Thank you for staying informed and engaged! |
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| The New Pennsylvania Project is a 501(c)(4). Contributions are not for charitable purposes and are not tax deductible.
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