►
From YouTube: Committee on Law and Government 2-15-2022
Description
The Committee on Law and Government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia held a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 1:00 PM to hear testimony on the following items:
220001 An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of gender based references throughout the Charter, as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and, authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
220002 An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, relating to the removal of gender based references throughout the Educational Supplement, as approved by Resolution of the Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
220077 An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of a Fair Housing Commission as an independent commission; as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and, authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
220009 Resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of gender based references through the Charter; and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
220010 Resolution proposing an amendment to the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of gender based references throughout the Educational Supplement; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
220082 Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the establishment of a Fair Housing Commission as an independent commission and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
B
B
We
are
using
microsoft
teams
to
make
these
remote
hearings
possible
instructions
for
how
the
public
may
view
and
offer
public
testimony
at
public
hearings
of
council
committees
are
included
in
the
public
hearing,
notices
that
are
published
in
the
daily
news,
inquirer
and
legal
intelligencer
prior
to
the
hearings,
and
they
can
also
be
found
on
phl
counsel,
dot
com.
I
now
note
that
the
hour
has
come
rachel.
Will
you
please
call
the
role
to
take
attendance
members
that
are
in
attendance?
F
B
Thank
you,
a
quorum
of
the
committee
is
present
and
this
hearing
is
now
called
to
order.
This
is
the
public
hearing
of
the
committee
on
law
and
government
on
bill
numbers;
two:
two:
zero:
zero,
zero
one;
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero,
two
and
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
seven,
seven
and
resolution
numbers
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero,
nine:
two:
two:
zero:
zero
one:
zero:
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
eight
two
and
two
one:
zero:
six:
five,
seven
rachel!
Will
you
please
read
the
title
of
the
bills
and
resolutions.
C
Two:
two:
zero:
zero
zero
one,
an
ordinance
providing
for
the
submission
to
the
qualified
electors
of
the
city
of
philadelphia,
of
an
amendment
to
the
philadelphia
home
rule
charter.
Providing
for
the
removal
of
gender-based
references
throughout
the
charter,
as
approved
by
resolution
of
the
city
council,
fixing
the
date
of
a
special
election
for
such
purpose.
Prescribing
the
form
of
ballot
question
to
be
voted
on
and
authorizing
the
appropriate
officers
to
publish
notice
and
to
make
arrangements
for
the
special
election.
C
C
An
ordinance
providing
for
the
submission
of
the
qualified
electors
of
the
philadelphia
charter-
oh
sorry,
qualified
electors
of
the
city
of
philadelphia,
of
an
amendment
to
the
educational
supplement
to
the
philadelphia
home
rule
charter
relating
to
the
removal
of
gender-based
references
throughout
the
educational
supplement,
as
approved
by
resolution
of
the
council,
fixing
the
date
of
a
special
election
for
such
purpose.
Prescribing
the
form
of
ballot
question
to
be
voted
on
and
authorizing
the
appropriate
officers
to
publish
notice
and
to
make
arrangements
for
the
special
election
220077.
C
An
ordinance
providing
for
the
submission
of
the
to
the
qualified
electors
of
the
city
of
philadelphia.
Of
an
amendment
to
the
philadelphia
home
rule
charter.
To
provide
for
the
creation
of
a
fair
housing
commission.
As
an
independent
commission,
as
approved
by
resolution
of
the
city
council,
fixing
the
date
of
a
special
election
for
such
purpose.
Prescribing
the
form
of
ballot
question
to
be
voted
on
and
authorizing
the
appropriate
officers
to
publish
notice
and
to
make
arrangements
for
the
special
election.
C
C
Two:
two:
zero:
zero:
eight:
two:
a
resolution
proposing
an
amendment
to
the
philadelphia
home
rule
charter
to
provide
for
the
establishment
of
a
fair
housing
commission
as
an
independent
commission
and
providing
for
the
submission
of
the
amendment
to
the
electors
of
philadelphia
and
210657.
A
resolution
calling
for
the
committee
on
law
in
government
to
hold
hearings
to
examine
the
feasibility
of
offering
election
materials
in
additional
languages,
exploring
ballot
randomization
and
enabling
safer
and
more
secure
elections
to
adequately
prepare
for
and
participate
in
local
state
and
federal
elections.
B
Thank
you
rachel
before
we
begin
to
hear
testimony
from
the
witnesses
we
have
for
today.
Everyone
who
has
been
invited
to
the
meeting
to
testify
should
be
aware
that
this
is
public
hearing
is
being
recorded
because
the
hearing
is
public
participants
and
viewers
have
no
reasonable
expectation
of
privacy.
B
By
continuing
to
be
in
the
meeting,
you
are
consenting
to
being
recorded
additionally
prior
to
recognizing
members
for
questions
or
comments
they
have
for
witnesses.
I
will
note
for
the
record
at
this
time
that
we
will
use
the
chat
feature
available
in
microsoft
teams
to
allow
members
to
signify
that
they
wish
to
be
recognized
in
order
to
comply
with
the
sunshine
act.
The
chat
feature
must
only
be
used
for
this
purpose.
Rachel.
B
F
F
Trying
to
get
my
camera
on
here
good
afternoon,
madam
chair
and
members
of
the
committee,
my
name
is
selena
morrison
and
I
am
executive
director
of
lgbt
awareness
for
the
city
of
philadelphia
and
I'm
pleased
to
provide
testimony
today
in
the
court
of
field
numbers
22001
and
22002
in
resolution
numbers
two:
two:
zero:
zero,
zero,
nine
and
two
two
zero
zero.
Two
one
zero.
F
It
is
because
of
efforts
like
these
and
these
pieces
of
legislation
that
are
making
strides
to
become
a
more
inclusive
city
and
a
place
that
lives
up
to
its
reputation
as
a
progressive
community
to
live
and
work
in
language.
Has
the
power
to
reflect
and
influence
societal
attitudes,
our
behaviors
our
perceptions
and
making
strides
to
include
gender
neutral
language
encourages
us
to
avoid
word
choices
which
may
interpret,
as
by
may
may
be
interpreted
as
biased,
discriminatory,
demeaning
or
by
implying
that
one
sexuality
or
gender
identity
is
the
norm.
F
F
I'm
sorry
creating
a
culture
in
which
non-binary
people
can
be
properly
identified
and
affirmed
fosters
that
positive
representation
without
city's
government,
in
short,
inclusive
language,
reflects
our
awareness
of
the
world
and
demonstrates
our
commitment
to
inclusion.
This
is
vital
for
attracting
and
retaining
the
rich
diversity
of
our
city
as
global
citizens,
residents
of
philadelphia
and
fellow
humans.
We
can
show
our
solidarity
and
respect
of
one
another
by
making
changes
to
represent
all
people.
F
B
B
B
G
Yes,
good
afternoon,
chair
parker
and
members
of
the
law
governance
committee,
thank
you
for
giving
me
an
opportunity
to
testify
in
support
of
bill
number
220077
and
resolution
number
220082,
which
will
provide
for
the
submission
of
the
qual
to
the
qualified
electors
of
the
city
of
philadelphia
of
an
amendment
to
the
home
ruled
charter
to
provide
for
the
establishment
of
the
fair
housing
commission.
As
an
independent
commission,
I
am
kia
gee,
the
executive
director
for
the
philadelphia,
fair,
philadelphia,
fair
housing.
Commission,
I'm
sorry
the
agency
that
enforces
the
fair
housing
ordinance.
G
Each
year.
Hundreds
of
tenants
file,
complaints
with
the
fair
housing
commission
seeking
assistance
after
their
landlords
have
engaged
in
unfair
rental
practices
such
as
terminating
a
lease
when
a
property
is
cited
for
code,
violation
or
retaliating
against
tenants
for
exercising
their
legal
rights.
G
G
G
G
The
fair
housing
commission
also
helped
to
interpret
the
renter's
access
act
in
order
to
effectively
and
quickly
enforce
against
blanket
exclusions
of
people
with
eviction
records,
criminal
score,
criminal
criminal
records,
I'm
sorry,
credit
scores
and
attendance,
failure
to
pay
rent
or
utility
bills
during
the
covet
19
some
may
be
asking.
Why
is
it
important
to
propose
this
charter
change
now?
G
The
fair
housing
commission
has
proven
itself
to
be
an
invaluable
resource
to
tenants
in
philadelphia
and
while
the
fair
housing
commission
has
operated
for
approximately
60
years,
largely
at
the
discretion
of
the
mayor,
as
provided
by
city
council,
this
work
is
far
too
important
not
to
be
established
as
a
permanent
commission.
Under
the
charter.
G
Tenants
who
file
complaints
with
the
fair
housing
commission
are
typically
low-income
families
in
communities
of
color
that
are
headed
by
single
mothers.
Resolving
unfair
rental
practices
for
these
communities,
reduces
historical
inequities
in
housing
and
provides
positive
outcomes
such
as
ensuring
people
live
in
safe,
decent
housing
in
neighborhoods
that
they
choose.
G
B
Thank
you
so
very
much
kia
for
your
testimony.
I
just
quickly
want
to
take
a
some
personal
privilege
here
to
say
a
special
thank
you
for
all
of
the
work
that
you
do
in
this
area,
not
just
inside
of
government
but
outside
of
government.
It
was
an
honor
to
participate
with
you
on
the
panel
not
long
ago
and
boy
was
it
great
feedback
about
the
deck
that
you
put
together
and
all
the
information
you
provided.
So
thank
you
so
very
much
for
that.
D
I
just
also
wanted
to
echo
my
welcome
and
gratitude
to
ms
key.
We
welcome
you
as
for
your
leadership
and
thank
you
for
all
the
work
that
you've
done,
but
the
fair
housing
commission
is
a
core
part
of
our
work
to
ensure
safety
and
security,
stability
of
our
neighborhoods
and
communities,
and
also,
you
know
to
be
very
clear
like
to
to
protect
families,
in
particular
those
with
children.
D
B
Thank
you
councilmember
again.
Well,
there
be
no
further
questions
from
members
of
the
committee
and
no
other
witnesses
to
testify
on
bill
numbers.
Two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero
one:
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero:
two
and
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
seven,
seven
and
resolution
numbers
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero,
nine,
two:
two:
zero
zero
one:
zero
and
two
two
zero
zero.
Eight
two.
I
will
ask
if
there's
anyone
else
present
in
this
hearing
whose
name
we
have
failed
to
call
and
that
wishes
to
testify
and
offer.
B
You
know
any
comment
on
any
of
these
bills
and
resolutions
that
are
being
considered
hearing
none.
I
want
to
thank
our
witnesses
for
their
participation
today.
Please
note
that
we
value
your
opinions
before
we
hear
testimony
on
resolution
number
two:
one:
zero:
six:
five:
seven!
We
will
now
recess
the
public
hearing
and
briefly
go
into
the
public
meeting
to
consider
the
action
to
be
taken
on
bill
numbers.
B
Two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero
one:
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero:
two
and
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
seven,
seven
and
resolution
numbers
two:
two:
zero:
zero:
zero,
nine,
two:
two:
zero
zero
one:
zero
and
two:
two
zero
zero.
Eight
two.
I
also
at
this
time
want
to
just
note
for
the
record
that
I'm
looking
in
the
chat-
and
I
see
that
council
members
squealer
thomas
and
I
think
jones
has
jones-
has
joined
us.
I
see
samantha
here
so
I
just
want
the
clerk
to
please
note
that
for
the
record.
B
So
now
we
are
going
to
convene
the
public
meeting
rachel.
Will
you
please
call
the
roll
to
take
attendance
members
that
are
in
attendance?
Will
please
indicate
that
you
are
present
when
your
name
is
called
also,
please
say
a
few
brief
words
when
responding
so
that
your
image
will
be
displayed
on
the
screen
when
you
speak.
B
B
D
B
The
chair
knows
for
the
record
that
the
motion
was
seconded
by
council
member
squilla.
It
has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
that
bill
number
22001
be
reported
from
this
committee,
with
a
favorable
recommendation
and
further
move
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended
to
permit
first
reading
of
this
bill
at
the
next
session.
Of
all,
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
will
signify
by
saying
I.
H
B
D
B
Is
there
a
second
second,
the
chair
notes
for
the
record
that
council
member
seconds
the
motion?
It
has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
that
resolution
number
two:
two:
zero:
zero,
zero
nine
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation.
All
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
will
signify
by
saying
aye.
D
B
B
Second,
the
chair
knows
for
the
record
that
council
member
seconds
the
motion
it
has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
that
bill
number
two
to
zero:
zero
zero
to
be
reported
from
this
committee,
with
the
favorable
recommendation
and
further
move
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended
to
permit
first
reading
of
this
bill
at
the
next
session
of
council.
All
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
will
signify
by
saying
I,
those
opposed
the
eyes
have
it,
and
the
motion
carries
again.
The
chair
recognizes
councilmember
green
for
a
motion
on
resolution
number
22010.
D
B
D
B
D
B
Second,
the
chair
notes
for
the
record
that
council
member
gim
seconds
the
motion.
It
has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
that
bill
number
two
to
zero:
zero.
Seven
seven
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation
and
further
move
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended
to
permit
first
reading
of
this
bill
at
the
next
session
of
council.
All
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
will
signify
by
saying
I.
D
B
D
B
Second,
the
chair
notes
for
the
record
that
council
member
gim
seconds
the
motion.
It
has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
that
resolution
number
two
to
zero.
Zero.
Eight
two
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation.
All
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
will
signify
by
saying
I
I
I
those
opposed
the
eyes.
Have
it
and
the
motion
carries
now.
B
We
will
reconvene
our
public
hearing,
so
we
will
now
resume
our
public
hearing
on
resolution
number
210657
and
before
we
hear
testimony
from
the
witnesses
I
know
my
colleague,
councilmember
isaiah
thomas
is
with
us
and
he
is
the
sponsor
councilmember
thomas.
Would
you
like
to
make
any
opening
comments.
I
Thank
you,
madam
chair
and
good
afternoon,
to
all
the
members
of
the
committee.
I'll
be
brief
in
my
opening
comments.
I
just
want
to
say
thank
you
for
being
here
this
afternoon
to
the
convenience
conversation.
This
is
a
very
important
issue.
As
we
look
at
the
future
of
elections,
we
have
a
lot
of
things
that
have
changed
forever
because
of
this
unfortunate
kibona
corona
virus
crisis,
and
one
of
the
things
that
has
changed
forever
is
how
we
vote.
I
So
we
want
to
really
take
the
time
to
examine
what
election
day
the
election
process,
as
well
as
language
access,
looks
like
for
the
constituents
of
philadelphia.
So
thank
you,
madam
chair.
I
appreciate
the
leeway
and
I'm
excited
for
this
conversation
and
thank
you
to
the
members
of
the
committee
for
allowing
me
to
be
what
you
just
have
to
do.
B
C
J
Thank
you,
chairperson
parker
vice
chairperson,
green
and
members
of
the
law
and
government
committee.
I
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
appear
before
you
today
and
offer
testimony
on
priorities
for
a
safe
and
secure
2022
election
in
philadelphia.
My
name
is
al
schmidt
and
I'm
president
and
ceo
of
the
committee
of
70..
Up
until
recently,
I
served
as
city
commissioner
of
philadelphia
for
10
years,
but
I'd
ask
that
you
know
that
I'm
not
speaking
in
that
former
capacity
today,
I've
submitted
my
written
testimony
for
your
consideration.
J
J
because
of
the
great
use
of
mail-in
ballot
voting,
both
in
pennsylvania
and
other
places
where
it's
become
available
and
also
because
of
the
extremely
tight,
and
I
would
argue,
unreasonable
or
unrealistic
deadlines
between
the
deadline
to
apply
for
a
mail-in
ballot
and
the
deadline
for
the
board
of
elections
to
receive
that
mail-in
ballot
back,
which
is
only
seven
days.
And
if
a
voter
is
following
the
rules
and
a
voter
is
submitting
an
application
by
the
deadline.
J
The
ballot
has
to
be
voted
by
the
voter
and
then
returned,
and
if
returned
by
mail,
it
would
likely
arrive
back.
As
we
saw
after
the
mail-in
ballot
deadline
of
8
pm
on
election
day.
It
is
tragic
to
see
ballots
arrive
that
were
cast
by
eligible
voters,
registered
voters
on
or
before
election
day
and
to
receive
them
back
after
those
ballots
can
no
longer
be
counted.
Every
ballot
is
precious
to
us
and
those
unrealistic
deadlines,
as
well
intentioned
as
they
might
be
result
in
ballots
being
rejected
because
they
arrive
back
too
late.
J
There
is
a
solution
to
that
problem
and
that
solution
is
making
more
drop-off
locations
available.
Satellite
offices,
while
very
helpful
and
very
useful
in
in
many
different
ways,
are
also
are,
are
difficult
to
set
up
expensive
to
operate
and
when
resources
are
available
should
be
used
and
expanded
drop
boxes
are
much
more
accessible.
J
So
when
a
voter
applies
for
a
mail-in
ballot,
again
we're
talking
about
half
of
our
voters
and
gets
that
ballot
or
holds
on
to
that
ballot
for
too
long,
they
still
need
to
be
able
to
get
that
ballot
back
to
the
board
of
elections.
The
false
choice
here
is
suggestions
that
mail
and
ballot
drop
boxes
are
somehow
less
reliable
or
somehow
less
secure.
J
If
anything,
it's
the
opposite.
The
voter
is
returning
their
ballot
directly
into
the
the
board
of
elections,
not
putting
it
in
the
mailbox
not
going
through
the
hands
of
postal
service
workers
and
machines
through
transit
stations
and
all
the
rest.
It's
coming
directly
back
to
the
board
of
elections.
J
Dropboxes
are
not
cheap,
they
have
to
be
secured
into
into
their
location.
They
have
to
have
24-hour
video
surveillance,
but
the
more
resources
available
to
have
more
drop
boxes
available
to
our
voters,
especially
in
high
turnout
elections
like
2022
likely,
2023
and
certainly
2024,
will
benefit
all
of
our
voters.
I
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
testify
before
you
today
and
I
would
welcome
any
questions
that
you
might
have.
B
Thank
you
so
very
much
al
schmidt
for
your
testimony.
I'm
sure
there'll
be
some
comments
and
questions.
I
now
want
to
recognize
our
next
witness.
We
are
honored
to
have
with
us
today,
leader
of
the
pensive
democratic
leader
of
the
pennsylvania
house
of
representatives
and
my
former
colleague
joanna
mcclinton
good
afternoon,
leader
mcclinton.
B
I
know
she
was
on
and
may
have
had
some
technical
difficulties.
Can
you
hear
me
leader,
joanna
mcclinton?
I
can
hear
you.
Can
you
now
hear
me?
Yes
ma'am.
I
can
hear
you
now
leader
mcclinton,
it's
an
honor
to
have
you
with
us
today.
Thank
you.
So
very
much
just
feel
free
to
state
your
name
for
the
record
and
then
proceed
with
your
testimony.
K
Thank
you,
madam
leader,
my
name
for
the
record
joanna
mcclinton,
state
representative,
191st,
legislative
district,
minority
leader
of
the
pennsylvania
house,
democratic
caucus
good
afternoon
councilwoman,
parker,
councilman,
thomas
and
all
of
the
distinguished
members
of
the
committee
of
law
and
government.
Thank
you
for
allowing
me
to
join
you
today
to
discuss
an
issue
that
I
am
very
passionate
about:
promoting
safe
and
secure
elections
and
dismantling
the
barriers
to
voting.
K
I
know
that
everyone
here
is
as
concerned
as
I
am
regarding
the
repeated
assaults
on
our
democracy
across
the
country
across
the
country
and
right
here
in
our
commonwealth.
Some
of
these
attacks
have
been
bold,
brazen
and
even
deadly,
like
the
attack
on
our
nation's
capital.
On
january,
the
6th
2021,
while
others
have
been
more
subtle
but
equally
dangerous
to
the
long-term
health
of
our
commonwealth
and
the
democratic
institution.
K
These
threats
on
our
democracy
are
simply
too
important
to
ignore
my
colleagues
in
harrisburg,
and
I
have
concentrated
our
efforts
on
countering
these
bad
policy
ideas
with
real
common
sense
solutions
to
restore
confidence
and
make
voting
safe
and
secure
for
everyone.
Instead
of
undermining
our
democracy,
the
house
democratic
caucus
wants
to
strengthen
it.
Our
bill,
the
k,
leroy
ervis
voters,
protection
act
or
house
bill
2090
is
named
in
honor
of
the
first
and
only
african-american
speaker
of
the
pennsylvania
house,
and
it
would
ease
the
burdens
on
voting
while
bolstering
our
election
security
first.
K
It
would
allow
every
pennsylvanian
to
vote
making
sure
that
it
is
convenient,
whether
you
are
a
teacher
or
an
emergency
responder
or
you
live
in
an
assisted
care
facility
to
accomplish
this
get
this
goal.
The
irvis
bill
will
permit
early
voting,
provide
for
more
ballot
drop
boxes
and
allow
for
the
same
day
registration.
K
Next,
we
need
to
finally
listen
to
the
election
officials
across
the
state
who
are
on
the
front
lines
of
our
election
and
voting
systems
and
answer
their
calls
for
assistance.
The
irvis
bill
would
make
updates
that
our
county
election
officials
have
requested,
including
the
21
days
of
pre-canvassing,
where
they
can
prepare
and
sort
mail-in
absentee
ballots
prior
to
election
day.
Finally,
everyone
wants
safe
and
secure
elections.
Without
that
the
public
will
lack
confidence
in
election
outcomes.
K
B
Thank
you
so
very
much
for
your
testimony,
leader,
mcclinton
we're
going
to
go
to
the
next
person
to
testify,
but
if
you
could
stick
around
I'm
sure
someone
has
a
comment
and
or
a
question
for
you,
the
next
person
scheduled
to
testify.
I
hope
I
have
this
correct.
Is
it
marion
schneider
marion?
Are
you
connected
with
us.
B
L
Thank
you.
My
name
is
marion
schneider
and
I
am
the
senior
voting
rights
policy
counsel
for
the
aclu
of
pennsylvania.
I
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
testify
here
today.
Thank
you
so
much
for
inviting
me
thank
you,
chair
parker,
vice
chair
greene
members
of
the
committee
and
especially
council
member
isaiah,
thomas
for
your
leadership
in
making
election
issues
a
priority
for
city
council.
I'm
here
today
to
talk
about
language
access.
L
The
aclu
of
pennsylvania
joins
the
coalition
in
urging
city
council
to
take
the
necessary
steps,
including
allocating
adequate
funding
towards
first
ensuring
that
the
city
of
philadelphia
is
in
full
compliance
with
its
obligations
under
the
voting
rights
act.
Second,
adopting
best
practices
generally
accepted
in
other
jurisdictions
for
implementing
language
access
and
third,
taking
voluntary
measures
to
expand
language
access
to
the
tens
of
thousands
of
philadelphia
voting
age
citizens
who
are
not
proficient
in
english
and
speak
another
language
that
is
not
within
the
current
coverage
formula
of
section
203.
L
L
L
Third,
is
the
recruitment
and
employment
and
appointment
of
bilingual
poll
workers,
in
addition
to
the
local
interpreters
that
they
already
have,
and
finally
competent,
understandable
translation
of
materials
and
websites
is
critically
important.
It's
not
acceptable
to
just
rely
on
google
translate
for
those
efforts.
L
Third,
we
urge
philadelphia
to
take
the
necessary
steps
to
serve
the
tens
of
thousands
of
philadelphia
citizens
in
need
of
language
assistance
to
fully
engage
in
and
exercise
their
right
to
vote.
These
citizens
are
not
covered
currently
under
the
voting
rights
act
and
yet
still
deserve
an
accessible
voting
experience.
L
L
In
addition,
we've
already
I've
already
talked
about
poll
worker
training,
but
enhance
poll
worker
training
in
areas
that
have
substantial
populations
of
voters
needing
language
assistance
could
go
a
long
way
towards
ensuring
participation
by
these
voters.
Such
training
could
involve
respectful
and
welcoming
attitudes
and
greetings,
cultural
awareness
and
sensitivity
and
and
the
knowledge
that
voters
who
are
are
legally
guaranteed
and
a
sister
of
their
choice
in
the
polling
place.
L
B
You
marion
schneider
for
your
testimony.
I
now
want
to
ask
my
colleagues:
are
there
any
questions
or
comments
from
members
of
the
committee?
Just
put
you
put
it
in
the
chat?
If,
if
you
will
so
that-
and
I
see
one
hand
before
we
proceed,
I
want
to
ask
our
minority
leader
mcclinton
leader,
mcclinton
wow,
you
listed
a
number
of
a
very
significant
items
under
the
k
library,
irving's.
Voter
protection
act
that
you
all
have
worked
on
in
harrisburg
leader
mcclinton.
K
So
this
bill
was
just
rolled
out
a
couple
of
weeks
ago
in
january,
madam
leader,
and
we
do
anticipate
getting
support,
of
course,
from
the
administ
administration,
from
governor
wolf's
legislative
team,
but
even
across
the
aisle.
The
irony
is
that
some
of
these
measures
were
in
bills
that
also
created
barriers
for
people
to
vote.
So
you
know
there
was
pre-canvassing
in
one
of
the
bills
from
the
majority
caucus,
but
it
also
included.
K
You
know
you
cannot
limit
the
number
of
drop
boxes
just
per
county
because
the
population
is
so
dense
where
we
live.
So
you
know
it's.
It's
just
been
a
challenge
thus
far
because
every
time
there's,
a
good
idea
in
one
of
their
bills
is
coupled
with
a
few.
I
ideas
that
would
limit
people's
access,
but
what
we
are
hoping
to
accomplish
this
year,
particularly
before
the
next
fall
election,
is
to
get
a
real
compromise
so
that
we
don't
have
to
wait
weeks
and
days.
K
B
Thank
you,
leader
mcclinton,
for
that
response.
I
will
state
that
when
we
had
to
wait
and
wait
and
wait
to
know
what
the
results
are,
you
do
feel
like
it
is
waning
on
the
public's
confidence
in
our
democratic
process.
So
thank
you
so
very
much
for
putting
that
on
the
record.
Chair
recognizes
council
member
thomas.
I
Thank
you,
madam
leader.
I
appreciate
it
and
I
just
want
to
first
take
a
moment
to
thank
all
of
the
witnesses
on
this
panel.
We
appreciate
your
expert
opinion,
as
well
as
the
work
that
you
do
on
a
consistent
basis
to
fight
for
democracy.
I
know
that
there
are
a
number
of
other
panelists
and
witnesses,
so
I
don't
want
to
be
too
long-winded,
but
you
guys
have
so
much
knowledge
that,
I
think
is.
D
L
Eight
voters,
as
well
as
the
league
of
women
voters,
make
the
road
pennsylvania
in
common
cause,
pennsylvania,
asserting
a
constitutional
right
to
privacy
of
that
information.
Specifically,
it's
the
last
four
digits
of
the
social
security
number
and
the
driver's
license
number
that
could
subject:
pennsylvania
voters
to
identity
theft
or
all
kinds
of
mischief.
If
people
have
that
information
coupled
with
you
know,
name
address
and
other
information,
so
that
case
is
pending,
but
we're
doing
everything
in
our
power
to
protect
the
right
to
privacy
of
pennsylvania.
Voters,
in
that
case,.
J
If
you
were
to
apply
for
a
mail-in
ballot,
you
can't
just
request
one
to
verify
identity.
You
have
to
include
last
four
of
your
social
security
number
or
driver's
license
number.
So
the
information
if
it
is
given
to
a
third
party,
as
we
understand
it,
will
be,
and
that
third
party
has
no
experience
in
auditing
and
no
experience
with
elections,
much
like
the
ridiculous
sort
of
cyber
ninja
situation.
I
I
L
So
this
is
mary,
and
I
attempt
to
answer
the
number
question
my
when,
in
december
of
2021,
when
this
at
census
released
its
designations,
it
includes
150
000,
voting,
age,
philadelphia,
citizens
who
would
be
covered
under
the
existing
under
spanish
and
chinese
languages.
However,
the
coalition
had
done
some
data
research
earlier
that
it
people
that
are
not
covered
under
203
is
also
numbers.
L
Also
in
the
tens
of
thousands
now,
the
earlier
numbers
were
47
to
88
000,
but
we
really
need
to
study
the
new
2020
census
data,
but
it's
definitely
going
to
be
in
the
tens
of
thousands
and
note
that
not
every
language
is
covered
under
the
voting
rights
act
that
under
section
203,
so
it's
a
significant
amount
of
the
population,
so
I'll
I'll
end
there.
But
I
refer
the
council
members
to
the
panel
that's
following
this,
but
where
are
others
who
have
expertise
in
language
access.
K
I'll
attempt
to
answer
the
second
part
of
council
member
thomas's
question
the
state
definitely
needs
to
do
more
to
support
every
single
county's,
significantly
rising
costs
to
hold
elections.
I
don't
need
to
tell
people
here
that
you
know
we
are
currently
not
clear
on
whether
or
not
there
will
be
the
primary
on
may
17th,
at
least
for
state
legislative
offices.
K
So
when
you
start
to
talk
about,
you
know
moving
an
election
and
the
cost
associated
with
that,
and,
of
course,
if
we
are
able
to
pre-canvass
and
get
that
into
the
law
so
that
the
county
election
officials
can
get
all
of
the
mail-in
ballots
organized
sorted,
ready
to
open
when
polls
close,
they
have
to
hire
staff.
To
do
that,
and
you
know
that's
not
a
group
of
people
that
are
currently
on
their
staff
compliment,
so
I
know
that
those
costs
will
soar.
K
J
They
all
want
more
time
to
process
mail-in
ballot,
application,
mail-in
ballots
and
all
the
rest,
whether
it's
a
big
city
like
philadelphia
or
a
small
rural
county.
They
all
want
the
same
thing
and
that
is
to
count
their
voters
votes
and
to
do
so
expeditiously
so
that
there
isn't
an
opportunity
to
exploit
that
window
of
time
between
when
the
polls
close
and
when
we
know
the
final
results,
as
we've
seen
in
in
2020.
B
Thank
you
so
very
much,
I'm
I'm
monitoring
the
chat.
Colleagues.
Are
there
any
questions
or
comments
from
any
other
members
of
the
committee?
I
can't
see
the
hand
raised
signal,
but
I
can
see
when
you
put
it
in
the
chat
box
there
being
none.
Let
me
thank
each
and
every
one
of
you
for
your
testimony
today,
commissioner.
Omar
sabir
is
having
technical
difficulties.
B
M
Thank
you
for
the
record.
My
name
is
tammy,
patrick
I'm,
a
senior
advisor
to
the
elections
team
at
democracy,
fund,
chair
parker,
vice
chair,
green
and
members
of
the
committee
on
law
and
government.
Thank
you
for
the
invitation
to
speak
with
you
today
on
language,
access
for
philadelphia
voters
who
are
not
proficient
in
english.
It's
truly
an
honor
to
be
here.
My
name
is
tammy
patrick
and
I'm
a
former
local
election
official
from
maricopa
county
arizona,
where
I
formalized
and
oversaw
the
language
assistance
program
for
over
a
decade
as
their
federal
compliance
officer.
M
Today,
I'd
like
to
share
a
couple
of
points
around
language
assistance.
First,
language
assistance
is
not
new.
Second
expansive
interpretation
beyond
the
voting
rights
act
is
established
and
growing.
Third,
the
importance
of
community
involvement,
and
then,
lastly,
and
by
no
means
least
the
growing
need
in
these
uncertain
times.
I
believe
these
comments
will
support
the
other
testimony
that
you
will
hear
here
today.
M
So
first,
language
assistance
is
not
new
voting
materials
and
assistance
in
other
languages
other
than
english
have
been
common
practice
well
before
the
passage
of
the
voting
rights
act
at
democracy,
funds,
2021
language
access
for
voter
summit,
minnesota
secretary
of
state
steve
simon,
shared
that
since
1896
minnesota,
voters
have
had
access
to
assistance
and
materials
for
voting
in
languages
other
than
english.
When
the
process
first
started,
the
languages
were,
norwegian,
swedish,
french,
german
and
italian.
Those
languages
have
changed
now.
M
It's
spanish
hmong
somali,
etc,
but
the
principles
are
the
same,
providing
citizens
with
the
information
that
they
need.
Ensuring
our
community
has
what
they
need
to
effectively
engage
in
the
franchise
as
well
as
be
informed.
Voters
is
truly
the
sign
of
a
healthy
democracy.
Expansive
interpretation
beyond
the
voting
rights
act
is
established
and
growing.
I
mentioned
secretary
simon's
comments
at
the
language
access
summit
in
december,
and
he
shared
that
in
recent
years
they
have
more
than
doubled
the
languages
they
provide
from
5
to
twelve
minneapolis.
M
The
city
of
minneapolis
provides
information
in
ten
languages,
including
amharic,
amuro,
oromo
and
russian.
There
are
states
and
jurisdictions
building
upon
what
the
requirements
are
under
the
voting
rights
act,
both
in
which
languages
are
covered,
as
well
as
what
the
thresholds
are
for
coverage
for
quite
some
time,
california
has
been
offering
additional
languages
outside
of
the
four
categories
listed
in
the
voting
rights
act
for
decades.
Indeed,
los
angeles
provides
materials
in
18
languages.
M
Some
cities,
like
new
york
city,
have
city-wide
programs
that
include
election
services
in
their
programs.
Leveraging
those
resources
and
the
data
collected
and
utilized
by
other
departments
is
critical
as
a
way
to
refine
service
provisions.
It
can
inform
where
bilingual
support
is
necessary
at
the
polls.
What
languages
are
most
requested
and
also
it's
a
viable
which
viable
translation
services
are
already
under
city
contract.
For
those
ever
complicated,
procurements
in
2021
colorado
passed
new
legislation
to
lower
the
threshold
trigger
for
providing
language
assistance.
M
We
know
that
the
census
determinations
can
be
problematic
due
to
systemic
undercounting,
as
well
as
the
challenges
present
from
the
gathering
of
language
data
via
the
american
community
survey.
So
the
need
will
most
definitely
be
greater
than
what
the
data
show
importance
of
community
involvement.
Election
of
professionals
not
only
rely
on
each
other's
support
and
ex
expertise.
They
thrive
on
it.
It's
wonderful
to
see
clerk
yarborough
here
today,
and
I
know
that
your
commissioners
and
election
staff
have
consulted
other
administrators,
visited
their
offices
and
benefited
from
those
exchanges.
M
So
I
truly
encourage
continued
support
of
those
efforts.
Philadelphia
is
fortunate
to
have
organizations
like
those
testifying
here
today
to
partner
with
on
this
journey,
because
it
takes
more
than
one
department
one
organization,
one
committed
individual
for
a
successful
program.
Collaborative
partnerships
increase
the
ability
to
correctly
identify
the
needs,
assess
the
scale
of
necessary
resources
to
allocate
and
then
evaluate
the
quality
of
the
translations
and
assist
in
the
dissemination
of
information
and
the
solicitation
of
workers.
M
Lastly,
the
growing
need
in
these
uncertain
times,
accurate,
official
and
trusted
information
is
more
critical.
Now
than
ever.
We
know
that
when
information
deserts
exist,
as
they
do
often
within
limited
english,
proficient
communities,
miss
and
disinformation
finds
fertile
ground
to
grow.
When
talking
to
reporters
about
covering
elections,
I
often
advise
that
they
need
to
know
what
is
right,
so
you
can
tell
what
is
wrong,
and
it
holds
true
here
for
voters
as
well,
making
certain
that
all
voters
are
getting
information
that
is
correct
and
legitimate,
should
lessen
the
traction
of
anti-democratic,
narratives
and
confusing
messages.
B
You
so
very
much
tammy
for
your
testimony.
We
hope
you
can
stay
on
once
we've
heard
from
all
of
our
witnesses,
I'm
sure
my
colleagues
will
have
questions.
So
thank
you
for
your
testimony
is
clerk
karen
yarbrough
karen,
are
you
connected
and
with
connected
today,
you're
with
us,
I
am.
I
am
thank
you
so
very
much
just
feel
free
to
state
your
name
for
the
record
and
proceed
with
your
testimony.
B
N
You,
madam
chair
and
members
of
committee,
I'm
thrilled
to
add
my
voice
to
the
voices
you've
already
heard
here
today.
My
name
is
karen
yarbrough
and
I
am
the
county
clerk
and
the
election
authority
for
cook
county,
the
our
area
election
in
the
suburban
cook.
We
have
1.6
million
registered
voters
and
then,
when
you
include
the
city
of
chicago,
we
have
over
three
million
registered
voters.
N
After
consulting
with
my
team-
and
we
did
an
evaluation
of
our
election
software,
we
realize
not
only
could
we
do
it,
we
could
leverage
our
voter
friendly
election
laws,
allowing
vote
by
mail
and
early
person
early
early
voting
to
bring
eight
new
languages
to
all
voters
into
bourbon
cook
county
and
that's
what
we
did
in
the
march
2020
primary
election
with
covet
and
everything
else
going
on.
We
piloted
two
new
languages,
korean
and
tagalog.
That's
a
filipino
language
with
no
problems
that
were
reported.
N
N
Now,
though,
we
have
limited
utilization
data
available,
it's
clear
that
people
are
using
this
program
with
some
languages
tripling
in
usage
over
one
cycle,
and
I
can
tell
you
that
on
election
day,
when
I
went
to
some
of
these
areas,
it
was,
it
was
thrilling
to
see
some
of
the
new
americans.
If
you
will
who,
for
the
first
time
in
their
life,
they
were
able
to
see
their
language
on
their
ballot
now.
Certainly,
there
was
a
lot
of
work
to
getting
to
done.
N
The
boat
program
allowed
us
to
hire
language
consultants
and
to
work
with
google's,
translate
election
program
to
develop
custom
machine
learning
election
dictionaries
and
they
guarantee
accurate
translation
of
highly
technical
terms.
For
instance,
you
don't
want
democratic
party
to
become
democratic
fiesta
on
your
ballot.
N
I
finally
want
to
say
that
it's
been
a
wonderful
and
rewarding
experience
and
it
demonstrates
how
government
can
actually
meet
people
where
they
are
and
deliver
real
change,
but
to
close
some
words
from
language
advocates.
I'm
quoting
sick
song
he's
the
president
of
the
korean
american
boys
and
he
said-
and
I
quote
I
am
so
excited.
This
is
a
historical
day
for
our
community.
The
language
barrier
has
been
the
biggest
hurdle
to
stop
korean
americans
to
live
with
limited
english
skills
from
casting
their
votes.
N
My
deputy
chief
of
of
elections,
ed
michalowski,
is
on
the
call
today
to
answer
any
questions
you
might
have
and
thank
you
for
giving
me
this
opportunity
to
add
my
voice
and
I'm
I'm
hopeful
that
you'll
be
successful.
Anything
that
cook
county
can
do
to
advance
this
initiative.
We're
here
to
help
thank.
B
You
so
very
much
clerk
yarbrough
for
your
testimony
and
again,
I'm
sure
they're
gonna
be
some
comments
and
questions
after
we
hear
from
each
of
the
members
on
this
panel,
I
wanna
call
the
next
witness
we
have
and
please
correct
your
name
because
I'm
going
to
chop
it
up,
is
it
kahina
kahina?
Are
you
present.
O
Sure,
good
afternoon,
chairperson
parker
vice
chair
greene
and
members
of
city
council's
committee
on
law
and
government,
my
name
is
andy
toy
and
I'm
here
to,
on
behalf
of
both
citizens
for
language,
access
and
united
voices
for
philadelphia.
I'm
here
to
speak
regarding
resolution
number
210657
in
support
of
expanding
language
access
and
materials
in
our
election
process.
O
I'm
just
I'm
sorry
that
kahina
is
not
here
as
well,
because
she
can
give
some
firsthand
accounting
of
what's
going
on
in
places
like
south
philadelphia,
but
maybe
I
I
know
she
wrote
a
a
piece
that
can
be
shared
as
well,
and
special
thanks
to
council
person,
thomas
for
introducing
the
resolution
and
making
language
access
a
personal
priority.
Thank
you
again
and
thanks
to
most
of
those
on
the
committee
who
have
already
expressed
support
for
this
effort
and
listening
today.
O
I
also
have
to
give
thanks
to
all
everybody
here
and
those
across
the
country
who
are
fighting
for
our
democracy
right
now.
We
we
all
have
to
fight
for
our
democracy
and-
and
that
includes
our
city
commissioners,
who
we
sometimes
disagree
with
or
we're
pushing
them,
but
but
they
are
doing
the
right
thing.
Commissioner
dealey
commissioner
sabir
commissioner
bluestein
and
ex-commissioner
schmidt,
who
we
have
give
a
lot
of
thanks
to
for
the
last
the
2020
election,
of
course.
O
So
my
testimony
is
the
voting
rights
act
of
1965,
even
while
under
attack
by
some,
has
helped
to
protect
the
fundamental
rights
of
many
non-native
english
speakers
across
the
country.
As
specifically
act
200
part
203,
section
203
in
in
philadelphia.
The
voting
rights
act
has
supported
spanish
language
speakers
and
this
spring
will
add
chinese
language
speakers,
because
the
population
crossed
the
set
threshold
in
the
latest
census.
O
Both
will
now
be
required
to
receive
critical
election
material
materials
in
their
native
languages.
Our
citizens
for
language
access,
philadelphia
coalition
of
over
66,
now
close
to
71
organizations,
have
been
making
the
case
for
years
to
add
additional
languages
to
go
beyond
these
statutory
requirements.
O
O
Our
population
and
voting
power
would
have
decreased
over
the
past
decade
and
this
does
not
include
the
close
to
150
000
people
moving
here
from
puerto
rico.
Many
with
spanish
as
their
native
language
estimates
of
non-native
english
speakers
who
are
eligible
to
vote,
and
this
was
done
by
all
voting
as
local
as
a
look
at
the
census.
Data
research-
and
this
is
citizens
18
years
or
older-
are
up
to
about
87
close
to
88,
000
people
and
even
at
let's
say
half
of
that.
O
If
we
can
get
another
quarter
of
them
to
vote,
that's
10
000
people
that
could
be
the
difference
in
an
election
we
want
to.
We
want,
and
we
need
these
citizens
to
exercise
this
amazing
right,
but
we
must
do
more
to
help.
A
couple
years
ago,
while
I
was
at
cmac
in
south
philadelphia
supporting
civic
engagement
efforts,
we
were
able
to
send
out
a
few
hundred
letters
with
nonpartisan
information
and
explanations
in
language,
about
the
ballot
to
chinese
and
vietnamese
citizen
voters.
O
When
we
were
able
to
look
back
at
those
registered
voters,
we
found
that
those
who
we
reached
out
to
in
language
came
out
in
significantly
higher
numbers
than
many
other
voters.
Unsurprisingly,
our
colleagues
and
we
could
hear
this
from
cook
county,
I'm
sure
around
the
country
and
at
democracy
at
the
democracy
fund.
I
found
this
to
be
true.
Everywhere,
election
materials
have
been
provided
in
language
in
philadelphia.
O
There
is
no
time
to
waste
all
of
our
citizens,
including
historically
marginalized
ones,
need
to
vote
if
our
voices
and
needs
as
a
city
are
to
match
our
population
and
in
neighborhoods
with
large,
immigrant
and
underheard
and
underserved
populations.
This
is
hugely
important,
regardless
of
who
they
vote
for
in
2019.
O
When
the
city
purchased
expensive,
new
voting
machines,
the
public
was
told
that
part
of
the
reason
for
the
choice
was
the
ease
of
handling
many
more
languages
using
touch
screen
technology,
which
made
us
optimistic
three
years
later,
we're
still
waiting
that
promise
to
fulfill
the
capability
of
these
new
machines.
What
the
commissioner's
office
has
explained
to
us
and
as
we
work
together,
is
that
there
are
various
costs
and
technical
issues
that
must
be
overcome
beyond
beyond
the
programming
of
the
machines,
and
we
understand
that
and
we
are
ready
to
help
with
that.
O
What
we
have
learned
in
our
outreach
to
other
municipalities
and
jurisdictions
is
that
there
are
very
efficient
approaches
and
degrees
to
creating
more
inclusive
systems
that
go
beyond
the
machines
themselves,
and
we
know
that
in
cook
county
and
many
others
across
the
country,
including
los
angeles-
and
you
know,
other
cities
similar
to
philadelphia
that
have
successfully
implemented
programs
that
could
serve
as
a
model
that
we
can
replicate
in
part
or
wholly.
We
believe
philadelphia
as
well
as
other
nearby
jurisdictions
can
do
this,
but
it
takes
leadership.
O
It
takes
political
will
and
a
commitment
of
resources
to
take
the
first
steps
in
philadelphia,
the
birthplace
of
liberty
and
democracy
in
america.
We
can
and
must
do
better.
We
cannot,
let
perfect
be
the
enemy
of
the
good,
because
if
we
do
that,
we'll
never
start
down
this
road
of
greater
inclusivity
and
equity.
O
What
we're
asking
for
today
is
a
commitment
of
resources
to
begin
addressing
the
various
parts
of
the
process
that
will
enable
the
commissioners
to
move
ahead,
to
add
language
that
can
reach
the
next.
Let's
say
five
largest
non-native
speaking
citizen
populations,
because
we
are
still
learning
from
the
implementation
of
chinese.
An
exact
amount
per
language
is
still
uncertain,
but
we
do
know
that
cook
county
has
told
us
they've
been
able
to
implement
new
languages
at
around
100
000
per
language
with
their
targeted
approach.
O
Our
initial
request
to
enable
the
commissioners
to
move
forward
in
good
faith
would
be
at
least
an
additional
five
hundred
thousand
dollars
for
up
to
five
languages.
If
we
can
get
to
five,
even
if
we
fall
short
of
five,
we
will
have
learned
a
lot
and
built
the
infrastructure
that
will
make
it
easier
to
extend
the
effort
each
year
going
forward.
We're
asking
today
because
the
budget
cycle
is
here
and
the
commitment
must
be
now
if
we
are
to
reach
our
goal
to
have
this
in
place
by
this
fall
again.
O
I
thank
you
for
your
support
and
we
look
forward
to
continuing
to
support
the
commissioners,
our
current
commissioners
of
dealy,
sabir
and
bluestein
and
and
the
city
in
this
important
effort
to
build
a
more
inclusive
democracy
that
we
know
will
result
in
a
broader,
more
equitable
and
larger
voice.
For
all
of
philadelphia,
thank
you.
B
P
Sure
sure
city,
commissioner
omar
sabir,
I
serve
the
vice
chair
of
the
county
board
of
elections
for
philadelphia
county
good
afternoon
members
of
city,
council
and
guests
gathered
here
today.
I
would
like
to
take
this
opportunity
to
thank
the
committee
for
inviting
me
to
speak
on
this
most
important
occasion.
P
This
month
we
commemorate
the
tremendous
contributions
of
black
people,
not
only
in
america
but
across
the
world,
while
referring
to
february
as
black
history
month.
Our
people
continue
to
make
history
every
single
day.
This
nation
owes
us
a
debt
that
can
never
be
repeated,
so
I
choose
to
acknowledge
the
contributions
of
black
people
all
year
long
today,
I
stand
before
you
as
an
elected
official,
charged
with
helping
to
assure
that
our
city,
one
of
the
largest
in
the
country,
conducts
safe,
fair
and
secure
elections.
P
My
presence
today
is
even
more
significant
because
less
than
60
years
ago,
I
and
many
of
those
of
you
serving
in
elected
office,
were
not
guaranteed
the
unimpeded
right
to
vote.
That
is
not
a
reason
to
celebrate
black
history,
I'm
not
sure
what
is
on
january
6
2020.
I
am
sworn
in
as
city
commissioner
of
philadelphia.
P
The
philadelphia
city
commissioners
consists
of
a
three-member
bipartisan
board
of
elected
officials
that
oversee
elections
in
philadelphia
county.
I
have
the
honor
of
serving,
as
vice
chairman
with
chairwoman
commissioner
dilly
and
commissioner
seth
bluestein.
Our
charge
is
to
ensure
that
eligible
voters
across
the
city
of
philadelphia
have
the
opportunity
to
exercise
their
right
to
vote.
P
The
bill
passed
with
almost
unanimous
republican
support,
but
since
former
president
trump
and
a
loss
in
2020,
the
bill
has
come
under
fire
for
many
of
those
who
voted
in
favor
of
its
passage
as
elected
officials.
It
boggles
my
mind
that
those
who
are
who
want
to
make
it
more
difficult
for
eligible
americans
to
vote
in
the
2021
general
elections.
P
Despite
these
unprecedented
circumstances,
we
were
able
to
fulfill
our
duty
to
guarantee
every
legal
ballot
was
counted
and
the
voices
of
our
community
were
heard
despite
unfounded
accusations
and
lies
to
the
contrary.
This
is
one
of
the
most
secure
elections
ever
held.
It
was
reviewed,
legally
audit
and
certified
without
fraud
or
falsity
as
a
requirement
by
state
law.
A
recount
was
triggered
in
the
commonwealth
court
race
as
part
of
that
recount,
our
machines
were
recalibrated
and
swapped
to
recount
the
votes.
The
results
did
not
change,
which
confirmed
the
safe
and
secure
nature
of
our
procedures.
P
We
succeeded
in
complying
with
the
election
code,
something
we
would
never
doubt
would
be
the
case
as
city
commissioner.
This
is
my
job
to
administer
our
elections
ethically
effectively
in
accordance
with
federal
and
state
voter
registration
and
election
laws
without
question.
Our
doubt
of
elections
are
administered
and
conducted
fairly
in
compliance
with
the
law.
I
am
an
official
sworn
to
entrust
with
the
guardian
and
the
sanctity
and
legitimacy
of
the
vote.
P
That
is
the
responsibility
and
an
honor
I
take
with
utmost
seriousness,
but
as
an
african
american,
whose
people
have
a
history
of
being
disenfranchised
simply
because
of
our
race.
My
commitment
to
ensuring
that
every
eligible
voter
has
the
opportunity
to
exercise
their
vote.
It
is
also
a
personal
commitment,
be
assured
in
our
representative
democracy.
P
Our
vote
is
our
voice
and
that
voice
must
be
heard
in
the
words
of
the
late
congressman
the
civil
rights
icon,
john
lewis,
the
vote
is
precious.
It
is
almost
sacred.
It
is
the
most
powerful
non-violent
tool
we
have
in
our
democracy.
We
must
practice
voter
accountability,
a
fight
against
voter
apathy.
Our
time
is
now.
Thank
you.
B
Thank
you
so
very
much,
commissioner
omar
sabir
for
your
a
testimony
and
if
you
could
just
stay
with
us
just
in
case
any
of
our
colleagues
have
any
comments
or
questions.
One
of
our
witnesses
I
see
has
is
temporarily
joined
us
kahina,
gwenfeld,
correct
me.
If
I
mispronounce
your
name
but
kahina,
are
you
with
us?
Are
you
connected.
Q
Yes,
so
my
name
is
kahina.
I
work
at
cmac.
Cmac
is
a
non-profit
organization
located
in
south
philadelphia,
founded
in
1984
work
with
immigrants
with
different
services.
My
role
at
cmac
is
I'm
the
adult
literacy
and
digital
access
coordinator,
I'm
immigrant,
I'm
immigrant
as
well,
and
working
with
immigrants.
Q
Q
Q
They
can't
vote
even
if
they
are
american
citizens,
because
they
said
that
we
can't
contribute
to
the
decision
of
this
country.
We
can't
make
this
make
decisions
because
we
we
can't
understand
everything
in
the
american
political
system
or
in
the
voting
system
because
of
the
language
and
it's
different
from
their
native
countries.
Q
So
that's
why
they
many
of
our
immigrants.
Our
clients
are
like
wishing
to
have
all
their
languages
in
the
voting
system
because
they
understand
english
a
little
bit
english.
They
prepare.
They
learn
by
heart
the
answers
for
the
interview,
but
they
can't
think
in
english.
They
can't
feel
in
english,
so
they
need
someone
to
explain
in
their
native
language,
so
they
can
contribute
to
the
decision
and
they
say
that
voting
is
very
important
because
you
are
contributing
in
making
you
are
contributing
in
the
future
of
this
nation.
B
I
Thank
you,
madam
chair.
I'm
not
sure
if
it's
members
of
the
committee
who
had
questions
I
do
apologize,
I
I
know
that
I'm
technically
a
guest
of
the
committee,
so
I
appreciate
madam
chair.
I
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
engage
in
dialogue
and
I
appreciate
all
the
expert
witnesses
and
testimony.
I
do
want
to
say
for
the
record
again
a
deep
appreciation
to
commissioner
sabir
and
the
work
that
the
commissioner's
office
has
done
as
well
as
former
commissioner
schmidt.
There
were
other
testimony
that
was
submitted
today.
I
That's
been
placed
on
a
record
by
other
commissioners
and
we
appreciate
them
as
well
too.
One
of
the
issues
that's
been
raised
significantly
is
this
issue
related
to
language
access.
We
heard
some
of
the
numbers.
We
listened
to
some
of
the
expert
testimony
and
I'm
just
wondering
from
the
perspective
of
the
experts
that
are
on
the
call
right
now.
I
P
You
know
they
all
have
different
language
as
access
as
well,
so
maybe
a
partnership
with
with
the
universities,
and
maybe
the
embassies
that
they
may
can
assist
with
some
of
the
language
barriers
which
wouldn't
even
cause
resources.
That's
basically
political
will
helping
us
out
with
the
embassies
and
the
universes
can
maybe
possibly
assist
with
some
of
the
language
rares.
O
Just
a
quick
note
along
those
lines
in
the
past
and
we
have
helped
different
organizations,
have
helped
at
least
to
make
sure
that
we're
not
saying
a
party
when
we
mean
fair
and
when
we
mean
party.
What
was
that
the
democratic
party
is
not
a
party
party,
it's
a
it's
an
organization
so
yeah.
We
we
have
people
that
can
help
with
that
too.
So
happy
to
provide
some
resource
there-
and
I
would
just
say
I
think,
what's
done
in
other
places
is
is-
is
a
growing
kind
of
thing.
O
We
we
start
small,
smaller
we're
not
going
to
get
to
100
right
off
the
bat,
but
we
if
we
can
build
from
a
database
of
people
who
speak,
let's
say
russian,
and
you
know
in
a
couple
years
you
pretty
much
have
most
of
those
people,
but
the
first
year
you
might
not
get
most
of
them.
But
if
you
never
start,
you'll
never
get
anywhere.
I
If
real
briefly,
if
someone
from
the
cook
county
side,
just
out
of
curiosity,
can
you
yeah
hey
real
quick?
If
you
could
state
your
name
for
the
record
and
just
talk
to
us
a
little
bit
about
the
costs,
because
we
hear
the
reoccurring
issue
of
cost?
Can
you
talk
to
us
a
little
bit
about
cost
on
your
end
and
how
much
do
you
spend
in
your
county
per
constituent?
A
Sure,
thank
you.
My
name
is
edmund
michalowski.
I
work
for
clerk
yarbrough
as
a
deputy
clerk
managing
the
elections
department
and
in
the
first
implementation
stage
we
spent
650
000
and
one
of
the
key
issues
that
you
have
to
realize
when
you
begin
a
program
like
this,
is
the
communication
within
the
respective
technologies
that
you're
going
to
employ
everything
from
your
voter
equipment
to
the
poll
books.
They
have
to
be
on
par
with
what
your
objectives
are,
so
for
us
for
the
3
million
voters
within
chicago
and
suburban
cook
county.
A
Every
language
is
on
every
ballot,
both
spoken,
so
people
can
hear
it
if
they,
if
they
can't
read
it,
and
it's
translated
on
the
touch
screen
so
really
for
us
making
certain
that
all
of
the
technologies
are
are
within
reach
of
what
they
can
do
and
staying
on
top
of
it.
You
know
when
we,
when
we
thought
about
this
and
I'll
digress
for
very
briefly.
You
know
aristotle
defined
inertia
as
motions
in
a
void.
I
Thank
you,
madam
chair.
I
don't
think
I
can
make
a
better
closing
statement
than
the
one
that
was
just
communicated
right
there.
So
thank
you
to
everybody
on
this
panel.
Thank
you,
madam
chair,
and
to
the
members
of
this
committee.
I
appreciate
the
leverage
and
asking
a
few
questions
to
this
particular
panel.
Thank
you.
B
B
R
So
much
so
good
afternoon,
members
of
council,
thank
you,
councilmember
parker,
and
thank
you
to
council
member
thomas
for
inviting
me
to
participate
here
today.
I'm
going
to
comp.
My
name
is
ali
perlman,
I'm
the
executive
director
of
philadelphia,
3.0
and
I'm
here
to
comment
on
resolution
number
2106,
two
one:
zero,
six,
five,
seven
calling
for
the
exploration
of
ballot
randomization.
R
So
I
don't
want
to
waste
folks
time
today
delving
into
the
details.
Everyone
here
knows
how
the
current
system
works,
whereby
ballot
position
is
assigned
by
the
drawing
of
lots
from
a
coffee
can,
and
I
think
everyone
recognizes
that
there
are
inevitable
shortcomings
as
a
function
of
operating
under
such
an
anachronistic
system,
and
I'm
here
today
to
share
that.
There
are
some
very
simple
and
legally
permissible
ways
that
the
city
of
philadelphia
can
randomize
its
ballot,
which
would
significantly
reduce
ballot
position
effects
and
make
our
elections
fairer.
R
R
R
So
many
of
us
on
this
teams
today
work
to
try
to
improve
access
to
the
ballot
and
that
work
is
typically
focused
on
removing
the
barriers
that
exist
for
eligible
voters
to
cast
a
vote.
This
work,
enfranchises
voters
and
it's
obviously
critically
important.
However,
democracy
works
in
the
inverse
direction
too.
That
is,
the
mechanics
of
our
election
system
ought
to
provide
all
candidates
for
office
with
the
same
level
of
access
to
all
voters.
R
Once
those
voters
have
reached
the
voting
booth,
it
was
not
so
long
ago
in
philadelphia
that
the
arrangement
like
the
orientation
of
candidate
names
on
the
ballot
was
used
to
advantage
particular
candidates
at
the
expense
of
others.
While
that
practice
is
no
longer
at
issue,
the
fundamental
problem
remains:
some
candidates
have
better
access
to
voters
as
a
function
of
where
they
appear
on
the
ballot
than
others.
Do
ballot
randomization
clearly
matters
more
in
some
elections,
as
opposed
to
others.
R
Elections,
which
are
high,
salience
and
low
candidate
count
like
the
mayor,
d.a
and
controller,
are
very
like
unlikely
to
be
influenced
by
the
ordering
of
the
candidates
names.
Conversely,
ballot
position
is
likely
to
play
a
material
role
in
the
outcome
of
elections
in
races
where
there
are
many
candidates
like
for
city
council
at
large
or
and
even
more
so-
and
this
is
less
the
purview
of
this
panel,
but
I
wanted
to
raise
it
here.
Races
for
judge
particularly
commonplace.
R
Jonathan
tannen,
who
is
a
researcher
who
lives
in
west
philadelphia,
did
an
analysis
in
2016
for
econsult,
where
he
found
that
common
pleas
candidates
who
draw
a
ballot
position
in
the
top
left
most
portion
of
the
ballot
triple
their
vote
count
triple
their
vote
count
as
a
result
of
their
advantageous
ballot
position.
In
short,
election
results.
Analysis
demonstrates
that
ballot
position
advantages
a
small
number
of
lucky
candidates,
while
disadvantaging
a
larger
pool
of
unlucky
candidates
in
races
with
bigger
fields.
R
R
Sorry
allow
the
voter
to
review
a
sample
ballot
in
advance
of
voting
and
allow
that
voter
to
easily
identify
her
preferred
candidates
by
ballot
number
one
she's
in
the
poll.
There
are
clear
strengths
to
this
current
system
and,
however,
it
is
that
we
choose
to
randomize.
The
ballot
must
be
weighed
against
those
strengths.
R
Any
reforms
to
this
system,
which
make
it
harder
for
someone
to
vote,
should
not
be
seriously
considered
in
order
to
randomize
the
ballot.
We
must
determine
how
to
preserve
the
advantages
of
a
fixed
ballot
with
ballot
numbers,
while
minimizing
the
disadvantaged
disadvantages
of
luck
based
ballot
position
assignment,
and
we
can
do
that
by
randomizing.
The
ballot
across,
for
example,
wards
or
council
divisions.
Excuse
me,
council
districts.
R
R
This
slow
cost
would
benefit
and
the
benefit
would
be
significant.
In
another
analysis,
jonathan
tannett
found
that
randomizing
ballots
across
wards
eliminates
eliminates
over
75
of
the
ballot
position
effect.
That's
huge
and
point
three,
oh.
In
short,
we
can
randomize
across
smaller
units
like
wards
or
districts.
This
would
help
voters
by
retaining
the
benefits
of
our
current
fixed
ballot
system
and
help
candidates
by
drastically
reducing
the
cost
of
the
ballot
position
effect.
So
point
three.
Finally,
we
can
do
this
randomize
ballots
in
a
way
that
doesn't
make
it
harder
for
the
commissioners.
R
R
Current
election
law
simply
requires
the
drawing
of
lots
to
assign
a
ballot
position,
but
this
law
does
not
require
that
the
lot
correspond
in
any
particular
way
to
the
ballot
position
once
in
any
way.
That
is
predetermined
so,
and
I'm
just
going
to
share
sort
of
two
examples
of
ways
that
this
valve
randomization
might
work.
R
Another
way
to
do
it
if
we
wanted
to
randomize
by
ward,
would
be
to
say
that
we
would
produce
a
random
ordering
of
the
ballot
position
and
that
random
ordering
would
start,
for
example,
in
the
first
ward,
and
for
every
word
after
that,
going
into
ward
2,
3,
4,
etc.
Every
valid
position
would
just
move
one
one
number
down.
R
There
are
plenty
of
ways
to
do
this
and
I'm
happy
to
answer
a
lot
of
questions
about
this.
It
really
is
very
simple.
Now,
just
for
folks
who
are
like
feeling
a
little
bit
wary
about
the
technical
capabilities,
we
would
need
to
do
this.
I
would
just
recommend
googling
random
number
generator,
so
you
can
see
sort
of
how
this
works.
R
This
randomization
process
raises
some
questions
about
practicalities,
but
fortunately,
most
of
the
recent
changes
to
our
election
system
work
in
the
direction
that
helps
us
to
randomize
ballots.
Our
voting
machines
have
the
capability
to
randomize
and
mail
ballots
and
sample
valves
are
already
personalized
to
the
division
level.
R
R
The
coffee
can
is
idiosyncratic
and
it's
quirky,
but
it
is
not
good
for
democracy.
It's
like
the
sorting
hat.
It
just
happens
to
sort
candidates
into
two
houses.
One
house,
which
gives
you
votes
in
one
house
which
takes
votes
away.
There
are
very
simple
and
straightforward
ways
to
fix
this
problem
and
allow
all
candidates
equal
access
to
voters.
Thank
you
and
I'm
happy
to
answer
any
questions.
B
H
Good
afternoon
my
name
is
mark
meredith.
As
a
constituent,
I
want
to
begin
by
thanking
the
philadelphia
city
council
for
holding
hearings
on
the
important
issues
of
offering
election
material
and
additional
languages,
ballot
randomization
and
holding
safer
and
more
secure
elections.
I
also
really
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
testify
on
these
topics,
as
they
are
all
related
to
the
research
that
I
conduct
as
part
of
my
job
as
an
associate
professor
of
political
science
at
the
university
of
pennsylvania.
H
H
H
First,
funds
should
be
provided
to
identify
and
correct
mail
ballots
when
clerical
errors
that
would
cause
them.
Funds
should
be
provided
to
identify
and
correct
mail
ballots
with
clerical
errors.
That
would
cause
them
to
be
rejected
when
a
clerical
error
is
identified
before
election
day,
a
voter
can
remedy
the
situation
by
correcting
it
or
by
canceling
that
mail
ballot
and
voting
again
either
by
mail
or
in
person,
but
a
voter
can
only
do
this
if
they
are
made
aware
of
the
problem.
H
Money
can
also
be
invested
in
things
that
reduce
the
incidence
of
clerical
errors
in
the
first
place
when
someone
votes
an
in-person
mail
balloting
site
election
workers
can
highlight
potential
issues
and
answer
questions
that
a
voter
might
have
about
the
process.
Consistent
with
this.
My
analysis
shows
that
voters
who
cast
an
in-person
mail
ballot
at
one
of
the
satellite
election
offices
in
2020
were
less
likely
to
cast
a
naked
ballot
than
voters
who
received
their
ballot
in
the
mail.
H
Our
results
showed
that
people
sent
a
postcard
were
less
likely
to
have
their
mail
ballot
canceled,
as
well
as
being
more
likely
to
return
their
mail
ballot
quickly.
Thus,
I
recommend
that
the
city
commissioners
be
provided
the
resources
that
they
need
to
operate:
satellite
elections,
offices
and
informational
campaigns
targeted
at
people
who
have
requested
mail
balance.
H
I'm
particularly
concerned
about
the
potential
for
pennsylvania's
mail
balloting
rules
to
disenfranchise
philadelphians
with
limited
english
ability.
My
research
suggests
that
neighborhoods
with
high
proportions
of
non-english
speakers
are
more
likely
to
cast
male
ballots
that
do
not
ultimately
count
while
the
vetting
rights
act,
mandates
that
communication
be
in
three
languages:
english,
spanish
and
mandarin.
I
recommend
that
philadelphia
identify
key
materials
like
mail
ballot
instructions
that
could
be
provided
in
some
additional
languages
that
are
spoken
by
a
substantial
number
of
our
citizens.
H
H
Finally,
I
want
to
offer
my
support
for
award-based
rotation
of
bail
ordering
and
primary
and
non-partisan
elections,
so
that
candidates
do
not
have
the
same
position
all
ballots.
City-Wide.
I
have
authored
multiple
research
papers,
demonstrating
that
ballot
order
influences
how
people
vote
much
of
the
data
that
I
have
used
to
conduct.
These
studies
comes
from
ohio,
which
provides
one
illustration
of
how
ballot
rotation
can
be
done.
Precedents
within
a
county
are
ordered
in
the
first
precinct
in
the
county.
H
Candidates
in
each
race
are
listed
on
the
ballot
in
alphabetical
order,
based
on
their
last
name
in
the
second
precinct.
The
first
candidate
in
alphabetical
order,
is
rotated
to
the
last
ballot
position,
with
all
other
candidates
moved
up.
One
position.
Studies
estimate
the
effect
of
valid
positioning
and
outcomes
by
comparing
the
same
candidate's
vote
share
when
they
are
listed
in
different
ballot
positions,
they
generally
show
that
the
same
candidate
gets
the
most
votes
when
they
are
listed
first
on
the
ballot
and
fewest
when
they
are
listed
in
one
of
the
middle
positions.
H
H
Moreover,
ward
based
rotation
has
two
potential
advantages.
Over
war
division
based
rotation
first,
it
will
be,
it
will
be
logistically
simpler
for
election
administrators
to
implement.
Second
will
be
easier
for
candidates
to
inform
support
supporters
about
where
they
will
be
located
in
the
ballot
when
they
will
be
in
the
same
ballot
position
in
every
division
and
award.
B
I
I
I
I
So
I'm
wondering,
based
on
the
work
that
you've
done
in
some
of
the
rooms
that
you've
been
in
the
dialogues
that
you've
been
a
part
of
what
is
the
what's
the
downside
of
ballot
randomization,
I
mean
we
heard
a
lot
of
the
positives.
We
heard
a
number
of
different
ways
that
it
could
be
done,
and
I
heard
the
example
about
the
ohio
election
where
we've
seen
it
take
place.
I
I
wonder
what
the
counter
argument
is
and
then,
after
that,
madam
chair
I'll,
pass
it
back
to
you,
and
I
just
want
to
say
thank
you
to
everybody
again
for
your
patience
today
and
for
taking
the
time
to
do
a
deep
dive
into
issues
that
we
know.
We
really
need
to
explore
and
continue
the
dialogue
as
it
relates
to
the
work
that
we
need
to
do
as
legislators.
To
assure
that,
we
have
fair
and
proper
elections
here
in
the
city
of
philadelphia.
Thank
you.
R
It's
just
that
the
candidates
who
typically
would
have
to,
for
example,
send
out
a
single
mail
piece
to
all
voters,
if
they're
running,
for
example,
for
an
at-large
seat
would,
in
this
scenario,
have
to
send
out
ward
or
council
district
specific
mail
pieces
to
account
for
the
fact
that
they're
in
a
different
ballot
position
dependent
on
ward
or
district,
it's
really
an
administrative
cost
more
than
it
is
a
financial
cost,
and
it's
something
that
people
running
campaigns
would
get
used
to
quite
quickly.
It's
it's.
A
very
modest
shift
from
the
voters
perspective.
R
Really
it's
exactly
the
same.
A
voter
won't
notice
anything
different
and
I'm
sure
there
will
be
a
again
like
a
fairly
modest
learning
curve
within
the
commissioner's
office,
but
we
have
the
technology
to
do
it
and
we
already
are
personalizing
so
many
of
the
materials
that
voters
get
like
the
mail
ballots
that
we
receive
are
personalized
down
to
the
division
level
anyway.
So
this
would
just
require
that
there
be
some
additional
level
of
nuance
to
the
materials.
H
No,
I
think
allison
summed
it
up.
Well,
I
think
in
some
places
the
implementation
might
be
harder,
but
because
we
already
do
so
many
ward
division
offices
here,
I
think
the
the
challenge
is,
you
have
to
proof
every
type
of
ballot
that
you
come
up
with
and
make
sure
it's
right,
but
we
already
have
to
do
that
in
philadelphia,
because
we
have
so
many
very
localized
elections
that
it's
not
like
we're
using
the
same
ballot
for
the
whole
city
in
the
first
place.
B
B
I
don't
see
anything
in
the
chat
hearing,
no
further
questions.
We
want
to
thank
you
both
for
being
here.
We
will
now
take
a
brief
break
to
ensure
that
members
of
the
public
are
connected
to
testify,
we'll
take
a
quick
break
to
ensure
that
members
of
the
public
are
connected
to
testify.
Thank
you
all
so
very
much
for
your
patience.
C
B
B
S
Thank
you.
My
name
is
al
sharif.
Nassef,
I'm
the
pennsylvania
campaign
manager
for
all
voting
is
local,
we're
a
collaborative
campaign
of
the
leadership
conference
on
rights,
america's
largest
civil
rights
coalition
of
over
200
national
organizations,
and
we
work
on
hyper
local
advocacy
year
round
to
prevent
barriers
to
voting
before
they
happen.
We
work
to
protect
our
democracy
and
to
uphold
voting
rights
for
every
american
on
behalf
of
citizens
for
language
access,
which
is
a
team
of
over
70,
leading
local
immigrant
rights,
voting
rights
and
good
government
groups.
S
I'd
like
to
thank
councilman
thomas
for
his
leadership
and
all
the
co-sponsors
of
resolution
210657
for
hosts
this
important
conversation,
especially
as
it
pertains
to
language
access
and
voting.
I
did
want
to
direct
the
attention
of
the
council
members
to
two
documents
that
I've
submitted
for
the
record
on
behalf
of
our
coalition.
S
S
If
I'm,
you
know
the
fact
that
america's
greatest
strength
is
in
its
diversity,
and
that
includes
the
languages
that
we
speak
and
we
really
look
forward
to
working
with
the
city
of
philly,
the
city,
commissioners,
the
pa
department
of
state,
to
ensure
that
language
is
not
a
barrier
to
exercising
our
fundamental
freedom
to
vote,
which
is
a
cornerstone
of
our
cherished
democratic
process
and
really
work
to
meet
the
needs
of
these
diverse
and
vibrant
communities.
Who
speak
other
languages.
S
S
You
know
we
got
dutch
speakers-
french
speakers,
german
speakers,
even
just
a
few
blocks
away
from
from
city
city
hall,
when
the
continental
congress
met
someone
made
a
proposal
to
make
english
the
official
language
of
the
united
states
and
that
was
quickly
shot
down
by
the
rest
of
congress's
democratic
threat
to
individual
liberty
and
so
from
the
very
origin
you
know
of
our
country.
Americans
hail
from
from
all
different
parts
of
the
world,
spoke
many
languages
and,
of
course,
the
native
american
stewards.
S
So
here
in
philadelphia,
which
is
the
cradle
of
american
democracy,
you
know,
could
play
a
pivotal
role
in
both
state
and
federal
elections.
We
hope
our
leaders
can
work
together
and
invest
in
voting
equity
and
ensure
that
voters
in
marginalized
communities
are
fully
engaged,
have
every
opportunity
to
cast
a
ballot
and
enjoy
a
smooth
and
welcoming
voting
experience.
B
Al
sharif,
I
just
wanted
to
note
for
the
record
and
for
the
benefit
of
the
public,
that
the
two
documents
that
al
sharif
just
referenced-
they
have
been
circulated
to
all
members
of
the
committee
and
they
have
been
given
to
our
stenographer
so
that
they
can
be
put
on
the
record
in
addition
to
that,
commissioners,
blue
stein
and
dearly
also
submitted
written
testimony,
and
that
has
been
put
on
the
record
as
well
so
al
sharif.
Thank
you
so
very
much
for
your
testimony.
Today.
F
E
Thank
you
for
invited
me.
This
was
my
first
time
so
I
can
testify,
although
I
didn't
prepare
anything
because
I
got
the
invite
very
lit,
but
I've
been
trying
to
organize
the
haitian
community
for
the
last
six
years
and
this
year
we
wanted
to
take
10
000
more
haitians
to
the
poor.
But
the
most
of
the
problem
that
we've
been
encountered
in
the
haitian
community
is
the
language
situation
most
of
the
haitians.
E
So
I've
been
listening
to
you
guys
and
I'm
very
glad
you
guys
take
that
to
heart
and
to
making
sure
all
communities
are
heard.
So
thank
you
for
effort.
Hopefully
you
guys
can
make
this
a
reality,
because
it
will
be
a
tremendous
opportunity
for
a
lot
of
haitians
to
participate
and
to
exercise
the
civil
liberty.
Thank
you.
B
C
B
B
For
members
of
the
viewing
public,
we
are
now
attempting
to
connect
with
our
public
commenters
and
we
have
to
dial
them
into
our
session.
So
we
want
to
say
a
special
thank
you
to
each
of
you
for
your
patience.
While
our
technical
team
attempts
to
make
a
connection,
we
want
to
ensure
that
those
who
are
scheduled
to
express
their
perspective
have
the
opportunity
to
participate.
B
B
I
So,
thank
you,
madam
chair.
I
just
want
to
again
thank
you
for
your
leadership
and
my
colleagues
as
well
members
of
this
committee,
for
bearing
with
us
and
being
a
part
of
this
important
conversation
and,
of
course,
thank
all
the
experts
and
panelists
and
those
who
have
lived
experiences
with
this
issue
who
continue
to
advocate
and
fight
and
just
know
that
we're
listening
and
we're
brainstorming
from
a
legislative
perspective.
I
B
Thank
you,
so
very
much
council
member
thomas,
a
lot
of
great
information
put
on
the
record
here
today.
There
being
no
one
else
here
to
testify
on
this
resolution.
This
concludes
the
business
of
the
committee
on
law
and
government.
For
today,
this
public
hearing
is
recessed
to
the
call
of
the
chair.
I
want
to
thank
you
all
so
very
much
for
your
participation
and
have
a
great
afternoon
and
to
our
tech,
team
and
all
of
our
staff
members.
Thank
you
for
making
this
possible
have
a
great
day.