Election Day Interviews

Interview #1: Ray Bailey (committee member)

1. What motivated you to come out and vote?

I'm a committee person for the Democratic party. My job is to make sure that people vote, and have the right to let their voice be heard.

2. What would you like to see changed in our political system?

I would like to see the people be more educated about the process of how you become a candidate, and how the votes are tallied up.

3. Do you vote in every election? 

Yes I do. Every election.

4. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?

The changes that I'd like to see in this election, would be that the candidates live up to their promises.

5. How would you feel if voting was mandatory?

I would feel that it takes away a person's right to choose to vote or not. 

Interview #2: Faye Tyler

1. What motivated you to come out and vote?

I'm a good citizen. It's my duty.

2. What would you like to see changed in our political system?

I don't really know. There are a few things that I would like to see changed, but I can't think of them all now. 

3. Do you vote in every election? 

Yes I do.

4. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?

Hopefully, a cleaner city.

5. How would you feel if voting was mandatory?

I would feel uncomfortable. If I knew I had to, it wouldn't feel the same to me. 

Interview #3: Judge John Younge

1. What motivated you to come out and vote?

I always vote. It was taught to me by my parents. They're from the South, and they always voted. I didn't know people didn't vote until I got older.

2. What would you like to see changed in our political system?

I'd like to see a city where there is a minimization of money in politics. That the political figures focus on issues.

3. Do you vote in every election? 

Yes.

4. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?

I hope we get our fiscal house in order. And that we fix our tax situation, so that we attract businesses and people to our city. All this without harming poor people.

5. How would you feel if voting was mandatory?

This is a free country. With that comes the choice to vote. Maybe if we did early voting, or computerized voting, or maybe even voting on the weekend. Mandatory voting would be against our constitutional right to vote. 

Interview #4: Janienne Hinton

1. What motivated you to come out and vote?

To make sure I have a voice.

2. What would you like to see changed in our political system?

More cooperation among different parties.

3. Do you vote in every election? 

Yes.

4. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?

More funds for the school system, and city services

5. How would you feel if voting was mandatory?

I'm for it if there's no fine. If there is a fine, I would be against it. 

Interview #5: Linda Tripp

1. What motivated you to come out and vote?

It's my civic duty.

2. What would you like to see changed in our political system?

That both political parties get together to make Pennsylvania a better state.

3. Do you vote in every election? 

Yes.

4. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?

Hopefully, both parties get together to change the future of our city and state.

5. How would you feel if voting was mandatory?

I'd feel uncomfortable. To make me vote for someone I don't want or have to vote for would make me uncomfortable. 

*The following interview was conducted the following day (Monday) via email*

Interview #6: W. Wilson Goode Jr. (Councilman - at - Large)

1. What would you like to see changed in our political system?

My law enacted campaign contribution limits but it's up to the "one person- one vote" to prevail.

2. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?

I will continue to increase economic opportunity in terms of creating new jobs, better wages and benefits as well as business and workforce diversity.

3. How do you think we can improve voter turnout in Philadelphia?

People vote when they believe that it will make a difference.

4. What inspired you to run for office? 

I'm the son of a Mayor but also the grandson of sharecroppers who endured economic discrimination - I fight for justice!

5. How do you feel about making voting mandatory?

People should go to the polling place to vote even if they don't like any of the candidates - and there is a ""NO CONFIDENCE" vote option.