Elections 2023

‘It’s our duty to vote’: Vignettes from Election Day 2023 in the Philly region

Here's a look at some of the scenes that unfolded on Election Day, in photos.

By

Maria Pulcinella

November 8, 2023

The West Powelton Drum Squad performs at Cherelle Parker’s election night party. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

On Tuesday, Philadelphia saw some history-making elections.

Cherelle Parker was elected as Philly’s 100th mayor — making history as the first woman and the first Black woman to hold the post.

WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Cherelle Parker celebrates her win — Cherelle Parker celebrates her victory in the Philadelphia mayoral race. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Posters that read ''Cherelle Parker for mayor'' are seen on a campaign stage — Parker has been elected as Philadelphia's 100th mayor, becoming the first woman to hold the office. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Democratic mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker visits a polling place in Philadelphia — Democratic mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker visits a polling place in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Cherelle Parker celebrates her victory in the Philadelphia mayoral race. — Cherelle Parker celebrates her victory in the Philadelphia mayoral race. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Cherelle Parker supporters at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 celebrate — Cherelle Parker supporters at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 celebrate as the race for mayor of Philadelphia is called in her favor. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Gail Hightower-Neal (left) and Donielle Martin — Gail Hightower-Neal (left) and Donielle Martin came out to the election night party at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 to support their sorority sister, Cherelle Parker, who was elected mayor of Philadelphia. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Democratic mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker speaks during an election night event party — Democratic mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker speaks during an election night event party in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

David Oh speaks onstage — Philadelphia mayoral candidate, David Oh, conceded to Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker at his campaign party on Election Day, November 7, 2023. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

A political sign reads — A sign for Philadelphia Republican mayoral candidate, David Oh, at the Kearney School in the Northern Liberties neighborhood on Election Day eve, November 7, 2023. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

North Philadelphia residents Lamont T. Coley (left) and Raymond Brown (right) outside of a polling station — North Philadelphia residents Lamont T. Coley (left) and Raymond Brown (right) were out at a Fairmount polling place canvassing for Republican mayoral candidate David Oh on Election Day, November 7, 2023. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Workers from the Philadelphia City Commissioner’s transfer mail-in ballots — Workers from the Philadelphia City Commissioner’s transfer mail ballots for counting as polls close on Election Day, November 7, 2023. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Rue Landau became Philadelphia’s first-ever openly LGBTQ City Council member, and Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke won at-large seats on Philly City Council, marking a historic win for the Working Families Party.

WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Rue Landau — Democratic Councilmember at-large candidate Rue Landau celebrated with her family and supporters at Cockatoo on Election Night as results confirmed her seat at City Hall. (Cory Sharber/WHYY)

Democrats had a big night in the Philly suburbs, retaining control over the Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties’ Board of Commissioners, as well as Delaware County Council.

Also in the burbs, Stefan Roots (D) won Chester’s mayoral race, and Ed Brown (D) was elected as Upper Darby’s first Black mayor.

Montgomery County Democrats Jamila Winder and Neil Makhija celebrate next to the podium with their families. — Montgomery County Democrats Jamila Winder and Neil Makhija celebrate next to the podium with their families. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)

Statewide, Democrat Daniel McCaffery (D) beat Carolyn Carluccio (R) for Pa.’s open state Supreme Court seat. On Commonwealth Court, Matt Wolf (D) beat Megan Martin (R), and Dems Jill Beck and Timika Lane won open Superior Court seats.

A Philadelphia voter poses for a photo outside their polling place — Bruce White voted on Election Day at the Summit Presbyterian Church. "It's our duty to vote," he said. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza/WHYY)

A dog is seen outside a polling station — Puppies were aplenty around polling stations this Election Day in Philadelphia. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza/WHYY)

A voter outstretches their arms in front of their polling station — Barbara Bailey, a voter in West Oak Lane, stands outside the Masjidullah - The Center for Human Excellence, where Cherelle Parker cast her vote on Election Day. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza/WHYY)

In the Garden State, Democrats retained control of the Legislature.

Follow our continuing live coverage on WHYY.org, the WHYY App, and WHYY-FM 90.9.

A polling place at Moorestown Township Town Hall in Burlington County, New Jersey. — A polling place at Moorestown Township Town Hall in Burlington County, New Jersey. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Part of the series

Elections 2023

View the series

About Maria Pulcinella

@mariapulcinella mpulcinella@whyy.org

Maria Pulcinella

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal

Learn about WHYY Member benefits