Philly Election Results Could Take Days, Patience Urged

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and City Commissioner Lisa Deeley sent an open letter to Philadelphians about Tuesday's election, discussing election safety, result timelines, and more.

"Amid all the speeches and slogans, the tweets and talk shows, the rallies and rhetoric, the election in Philadelphia really comes down to some very simple concepts: fairness, integrity, access, and accurate results," Kenney and Deeley wrote to the city. "We are writing to ask that as you prepare for tomorrow’s election, remember those four principles. They are not empty words or phrases. They are the core of what we are trying to accomplish."

The letter says the election will be "truly democratic" and that "any aggressive behavior or voter intimidation at the polls won't be tolerated — this includes attempts by individuals who are not certified poll watchers to access polling locations and observe voting."

Anyone who sees criminal attempts to interfere with or influence voting and election activity by calling the District Attorney's Office Election Task Force hotline at 215–686–9641.

The city's voting machines have been used in two previously election, and they have been supplemented by more equipment and staff to help speed the process of counting mail-in ballots.

As for results, election officials will be working hard to count and double-check every ballot.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center has been set up as a secure facility that will process and count mail-in and absentee ballots.

Kenney and Deeley said Philadelphians should be patient when voting and awaiting results.

They expect long lines and polling locations, and lines will seem even longer due to social distancing.

"After the polls close, and in the ensuing days, we will continue to need your patience," they wrote. "Never in the history of this city have so many people voted by mail. By law, staffers are not allowed to start opening and counting these ballots until Election Day itself."

The total vote tally will take several days, according to Kenney and Deeley.

"This may determine the outcome in Philadelphia, and in the Commonwealth as a whole," they said. "So, again, please be patient."