Grassroots politics

Political debates always involve parties, but generally they’re not the kind with live music and dancing.

That will change Sept. 30, when the Philadelphia Public Debates Project sponsors an event in Goldstar Park organized around the year’s first presidential debate.

Sax players, food vendors and more will flank voter registration booths while President Bush and John Kerry square off on a big screen in the park at Sixth and Wharton streets.

But the debate group wants to go beyond merely signing up citizens to vote on Nov. 2.

"There’s a big difference between registering to vote and actually voting," said PPDP cofounder Elinore Kaufman. "We’re in an extremely registered city, yet only about 53 percent of us came out to the polls during the last [presidential] election."

Members of nonpartisan organizations will be on hand to answer voters’ questions.

The League of Women Voters, one of PPDP’s partners for this event, will distribute "debate watchers’ guides," complete with worksheets, that encourage viewers to take notes during the broadcast.

For attendees that are too young to vote yet intrigued by the political process, PPDP will provide a "mock vote" that includes kid-sized ballots.

Information tailored to children also will be distributed to educate the future members of the electorate, said Kaufman.

The cofounder was inspired to host the park debate by a similar public event in New York City. The Coalition for the Homeless aired a domestic-policy debate in Washington Square Park, she said.

"We want to make the debate available to those who wouldn’t necessarily have access to it," said Kaufman, who formed the PPDP over the summer. "We also want to convince those to watch it who otherwise wouldn’t have watched it."

PPDP member Maria Alvarez said the event, which begins at 7 p.m., is an effective way to see the power of one’s vote and the effect it can have on the community.

"I feel people don’t vote because they feel they are one tiny person," she said. "This event is about looking out at the audience, seeing your community and realizing how these issues can impact you and your neighbors at home."

Kaufman also urges citizens to break away from the comfort of their living room for one evening and enter a public forum where the issues can be fully addressed.

"Being exposed to other people’s views is helpful," she said. "[The event] is also a good way of getting people energized about the elections."

Given that 61 percent of Pennsylvanians ages 18-29 did not vote in the last presidential election, youth-oriented organizations will attempt to rouse their peers at the event.

For example, one group will distribute a guide with information on the candidates and tips to avoid voter intimidation and harassment.

Local politicians also will attend to encourage residents to become involved with issues that are closer to home.

"What we are also trying to accomplish is getting people interested in local politics that affect South Philadelphia specifically," said Alvarez.

Some are hoping residents will debate the candidates’ issues and platforms among themselves during the broadcast.

"I think people will attend because this is already a pretty important election," said Joseph Hoffman, the First Ward’s Democratic leader.

The Passyunk Square Civic Association has partnered with the PPDP to help organize the forum.

"Putting together an event where residents can become educated about the issues is a fundamental part of community involvement," said Christine Weeks, chair of the community relations committee for Passyunk Square.

Other partners for the event include the Friends of Goldstar Park and the Institute for the Study of Civic Values.

The family forum will offer activities for the kids while parents discuss the issues. Philadelphia-based bands will perform before the airing of the debate, and local vendors will sell food throughout the night.

While no indoor site has been named yet in the event of rain, Kaufman promises the event will take place no matter what the weather.

PPDP plans to broadcast the remaining two presidential debates in other locations in the city.

The overall mission is to change the way citizens approach the voting process, said Alvarez.

"[The event] is a celebratory way of looking at politics, which is something we need more of," she said.

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Individuals and groups interested in participating in the screenings or supporting the PPDP should contact phillydebates@yahoo.com.