Philadelphia voters head to polls Tuesday to elect mayor, four aldermen
Philadelphia voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide who the mayor and board of aldermen will be for the next four years.
Incumbent James A. Young, a Democrat, is seeking his fourth term as mayor of Philadelphia. He is being challenged by retired businessman Leo E. Renaldo, a Republican.
The polls open at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m.
Mayor Young said he was making his second round of going around knocking on doors and asking people for their vote.
“We have a lot of good things going on,” Young said. “We have several projects going on and more coming up. We are still working on crime. Our police department has increased patrols and we are close to having a full staff in the police department.”
Renaldo said he has worn out two pairs of shoes as he has been out asking for votes since the primary elections back in April.
“I believe the people want a change,” Renaldo said. “I have gotten out to talk to the people in all wards. The insight I am getting from people, I am going to have a very good chance of possibly being the next mayor.”
Aldermen elections will also be on the ballot:
• Ward 1 — Justin Lewis Clearman, a Republican, is running unopposed. He will replace longtime alderman Joe Tullos who did not seek re-election.
• Ward 2 — Incumbent Jim Fulton, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Mangold Washington III.
• Ward 3 — Democrat James Tatum faces Republican Wright Griffis to replace the retiring Ronnie Jenkins.
• Ward 4 — Democrat Ruthie Nash faces independent Shaun Seales for the Ward 4 seat. They are seeking to replace Cassie Henson Hickman who ran an unsuccessful campaign in the Democrat primary for mayor.
• Alderman-at-Large — James Carson Waltman, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Leroy Clemons, a Democrat.
Voters have until Saturday to vote absentee. City Hall will be open until noon. If you vote absentee by mail, the letter must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, June 8 and must be received by June 15.
Polling places are as follows:
• Ward 1 — Senior Citizens Center
• Ward 2 — Baptist Center
• Ward 3 — Depot
• Ward 4 — Westside Community Center