This past year we have witnessed thousands of teachers across the country regain their voice in the fight to save public education. Teachers have started using some of the strongest tools we have to regain power: striking, media campaigns, and of course, running for office.
Not only are teachers running for office in record numbers- they are winning. The public trusts teachers to make strong decisions that will better both our schools and our communities.
In the Democratic Primary next Tuesday May 21st, we have the chance to vote a teacher, PFT member, and education activist into Philadelphia city politics: Luigi Borda, a middle school history teacher and WE member, is running for Philly City Commissioner.
Push Button #37 on May 21st to Vote for Luigi Borda for City Commissioner!
What is the Philly City Commissioner? Commissioners make the elections happen, ensure that they are fair, and support voter turnout. Luigi Borda has spent the last ten years demonstrating a single minded determination to increase Philadelphia voter turn-out. How? Just a few of Luigi's strategies include:
- Educate and energize students and voters of all ages, races and parts of the city to turn Philadelphia into a voting Powerhouse
- Bombard our schools with resources to get young people to vote. He wants to visit every neighborhood block party this summer with a mobile “voting van” to teach everyone the process of how to register, understand a ballot, and vote.
- Make sure that every local ward leader has the machines, people and energy they need to increase their own local turn-out, and he plans to hold them accountable for their numbers.
Politicians and the public must see that teachers are serious about doing whatever it takes to save public education in Philadelphia. They must see that we are a powerful voting bloc, and we will come together to put our strongest advocates into office. We hope you will join Luigi’s teacher’s campaign by doing the following four things:
1. Increase Luigi’s social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Remind your friends to like, comment, and share!
2. Get as many people as you can to text 10 friends to vote for Luigi #37: They should text on May 17 and May 20. Research shows that one or two texts from a friend in the short window before the election yields great results. Want some company while you text your friends? There will be a Texting Happy Hour- Friday, May 17, 2019, 4pm at Bar Hygge (1720 Fairmount Ave). Of course, one does not need to attend the HH to send the texts! Here is a sample text:
"Hi! Luigi Borda a Philadelphia SDP teacher and PFT member is running for Commissioner. Luigi has a plan to increase voter turnout through education and city wide civic lessons. Please push button #37 on Tuesday May 21st."
3. Get as many teachers as possible to work the polls on Primary Day, May 21: We have off from school that day - can you put in a few hours in the am or pm? The polls are most busy from 7-10am and again at 4-6pm. You can work your poll if you live in Philly or a poll near your school or close to your home if you live in the 'Burbs. Please sign up to register as a pollworker here.
4. Consider a “bullet vote”: A bullet vote is a voting strategy where you vote for only Luigi Borda #37 (even though you have the option to vote for two candidates), in order to increase the statistical power of your vote.
