Philly elections administrators fear problems at polls

Speaking Monday in Philadelphia, elections officials said voters are receiving incorrect information about how to cast their ballots on election day.

“If there’s anything at the polling place which seems irregular, unusual to you, or anyone is interfering with anybody’s right to vote, the first call should be to the district attorney,” said Commissioner Stephanie Singer.

The second call, with any questions, should be addressed to the nonpartisan watchdog, The Committee of Seventy.

Friday, Singer said, emails were circulating with incorrect information on the location of polling places.

More messages circulating primarily in the African-American community have incorrect instructions on how to vote a straight Democratic Party ticket. By following those directions, voters would not cast a vote for President Barack Obama. To vote for a straight party ticket for either party, there are single buttons to press.

“It’s beginning to look like a messy election,” said Zack Stalberg of The Committee of Seventy. Stalberg said he does not recall as much confusion and false information at this stage in previous election seasons. The organization will field more than 800 volunteers Tuesday.

Election day information

District attorney’s office: 215-686-9641/9643/9644/9844

Committee of Seventy: 1-866-687-8683 or 215-557-3600

Commissioner Stephanie Singer: 216-686-3461

Voter registration/eligibility: 215-686-1590

Voting machine malfunction: 215-686-7800

Board of elections: 215-686-3469