There’s a lot at stake on Tuesday’s election day. Philadelphia is electing its 100th mayor, Delco voters are choosing a new state representative, and dozens of school board positions are on the ballot. The lives of children and teens are at the heart of these races, so it is imperative that we get out and vote.

High Stakes in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, the mayoral race has intensified with unprecedented millions of dollars pouring into TV ads and mailers. With 15% of voters still undecided so close to Election Day, The Kids’ Campaign has been the go-to resource for voters to cut through the rhetoric. This week alone, middle school and high school students grilled top candidates on their plans to make Philadelphia a great place to raise a family. (A recap of the Kids’ Debate, hosted by iHeart Radio, will also air this Sunday. *See times below.) 

ال Kids’ Debate was just one of seven ways we asked candidates to show that they prioritize young people. You can judge for yourself if the top five contenders showed up for kids. Hear directly from the candidates how they plan to make Philadelphia S.E.C.U.R.E (Safety, Education, Careers, Uplifting families, Recreation, and the Environment) for children and their families. If they have nothing to say, that may also tell you something.

Most Important School Board Races of Our Time

Typically a volunteer elective office that rarely gets much attention, school board positions are now among the most contentious in the state. The bruhaha in Central Bucks School District has gotten tons of media coverage (and even covered in a past issue of The Point) over its school board’s book bans and new policies that make queer youth and students of color feel unsafe in their own schools. 

Central Bucks isn’t alone; other school districts are vulnerable to takeovers by ultra-conservative candidates with a coordinated agenda to roll back Pennsylvania’s schools to the 1950s if voters don’t act.  

The Children First Action Fund has done the research on the school board candidates in the following districts:

If you live in one of these five districts, go to the Children First Action Fund website and inform your vote. And help share this important information with voters you know in these communities. (For Central Bucks, the Inquirer did a comprehensive review of the candidates so check that out.)

It’s critical that we choose carefully who we entrust with our children’s education and well-being.
Only around 20% of voters turn out for primary elections, so it’s all too easy for the zealots to be swept into office. Let’s keep our children secure in Philly and the ‘burbs by getting out to vote for candidates who have kids’ interests at heart. 

*The Kids’ Debate will be featured on Power 99, Q102, ALT 104.5, Rumba 106.1 and 1480 AM this Sunday at 7:00 AM. It will also air on WDAS 105.3 FM at 6:00 AM.