Philadelphia’s general elections take place today, Nov. 8, and the city is implementing more than 1,680 polling places. Below is some basic information voters should know before entering the poll booth:

Mayor

The elected official who represents Philadelphia to the commonwealth and works with City Council to improve the quality of life in the city.

DISTRICT Council members

Elected officials who serve on City Council and live in the city’s 10 councilmanic districts.  Around Temple’s campus, Councilman Darrell Clarke represents the 5th district (on the west side of Broad Street) and Maria Quinones Sanchez represents the 7th district (on the east side of Broad Street). Both are running uncontended.

Council At-Large members

The seven individuals who serve on city council and represent the city as a whole.

City Commissioners

Elected officials who are in charge of running elections.Voters can cast ballots for two of the city’s three city commissioners.

Sheriff

Elected officials who manage the city’s foreclosed properties.

Register of Wills

Elected officials who maintain the city’s estate, will and marriage records.

Local Judicial Offices

Judges who review civil and criminal cases.
Ballot Questions

Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for a mandatory Budget Stabilization Reserve, more commonly known as a “rainy day fund,” and to provide for restrictions on deposits to and withdrawals from such Reserve?

Should the City of Philadelphia borrow $111,295,000 to be spent for and toward capital purposes as follows: Transit, Streets and Sanitation, Municipal Buildings, Parks, Recreation and Museums, and Economic and Community Development?

-Matthew Petrillo