Political education meets social media photo op at ‘Political Fest’

Want to make a call from a mock Oval Office, push buttons in a 1960s voting booth, or step onto a Kennedy-era Air Force One recreation? You can have your picture taken as you step off with a presidential wave.

With seven locations around Center City Philadelphia, Political Fest aims to educate voters while engaging them in fun activities.

“It’s here in Philadelphia. How can I not come? It’s right here in our state, and it’s a lot of fun!” said Joan Zeller of Ambler, who had come with her friend Cynthia Best. Best said out-of-town friends had told them about Political Fest and encouraged them to go.

Steven Visceglia, 19, came in for the day from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to be part of what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“Just embrace everything that is happening right now, you know. There’s lots going on,” Visceglia said. “I’m curious to see if, while we are here, anything specific happens that one day I can say ‘I was there when it happened.'”

He had come to Philadelphia with his friend Giancarlo Levano, 18, an excited first-time voter in this presidential election. “I think it’s really cool that we are nominating a woman for the presidency, and I’m a Clinton supporter, so I’m excited.”

Jim Moore of Bucks County wore a Bernie T-shirt but said he is ready for the party to unite. “I certainly supported Bernie during the primaries, but I definitely think now is the time to rally together behind the chosen candidate.” Moore planned to also visit the Political Fest site at the Constitution Center.

Margaret Ayeni of Philadelphia agreed with Moore that despite the controversy over leaked emails, the spirit at this and other convention events was good. “People are very excited, and they are happy people. You can go see their faces. They are lighting up.”