Love, Liberty & The Pursuit of Justice: Listen to the Voices Behind the Votes

As the world moves beyond the pandemic, 2023 marks a pivotal moment for the future of the city of Philadelphia. Residents are casting their votes in the primary (May 16th) and general (November 7th) elections that will fill key civil servant roles which include the mayor, register of wills, sheriff, city council, city commissioners, the court of common pleas, municipal court, and a special election for city controller.

In its commitment as a member of the Every Voice, Every Vote coalition, Love Now Media launched Love, Liberty & The Pursuit of Justice to learn Philadelphians’ understanding of politics as a vehicle for meeting their needs and fueling community-centered reporting. Pop-up storytelling booths were held at different locations and major events throughout the city to listen to the public’s views on the state of love and social justice issues in the City. Locations included City Hall; The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service (the largest King Day event in the nation) held at Girard College in January; and Philly Tech Week, held at the Comcast Building. 

The series of short interviews featuring residents, commuters, and tourists are now streaming on the Love Now Media YouTube channel.

The perspectives shared by interviewees support the issues and solutions identified in What Philly Wants: The Every Voice, Every Vote Survey of Philadelphia Voters, a comprehensive public opinion poll commissioned by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism.  

As previously reported by The Lenfest Institute:

To further its mission to amplify diverse voices from every corner of Philadelphia ahead of the city’s 2023 municipal elections, the Every Voice, Every Vote coalition is investing an additional $56,000 in voter engagement events, community listening sessions, and candidate forums hosted by 11 new community and media partners. This investment builds upon an initial $1.5 million in funding awarded to over 50 community and media organizations serving Philadelphia communities. Since its December 2022 launch, the coalition has grown from 55 to 76 members. 

Help amplify the voices and perspectives featured in Love, Liberty & The Pursuit of Justice by sharing your favorite interviews or reposting the videos published on Love Now Media’s Instagram (@lovenowmedia).

Learn more about Every Voice, Every Vote and sign-up for email updates about the project at everyvoice-everyvote.org. If you are interested in learning more about how to join Every Voice, Every Vote or support the project, email voicevotephilly@lenfestinstitute.org.