Krasner's office deploys task force to police Philly polls

Voters in Philadelphia can expect a heightened security presence at polling stations on Tuesday, Oct. 6, as the city prepares for the general election. The District Attorney's Office will deploy a dedicated Election Protection Task Force to monitor every voting location throughout the day. This local effort coincides with a federal initiative, as the Department of Justice announced plans to send its own election monitors to specific areas in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and Lehigh County.

Larry Krasner, the District Attorney, appeared via remote video link at a morning event to introduce the team. He stated that the task force is designed to watch for any interference in the election process. Krasner emphasized that his office intends to act decisively if problems arise. "Make no mistake, we got teeth and we are going to use them if we need to use them," he said. He added, "If people want to F around, they are going to find out, it's that simple."

Krasner argued that anyone attempting to steal a vote in the city will face consequences regardless of their political party. The task force will focus on ensuring that the right to vote is protected for all residents, no matter their intent. The goal is to identify and address any irregularities that could impact the election outcome before the polls close.

Law enforcement officials detailed the operational strategy for Election Day. Uniformed officers will patrol polling places across the city to respond to potential issues such as threats or harassment. An investigative unit will also be on hand to monitor specific incidents as they occur. This dual approach allows for immediate on-site response and deeper investigation when necessary.

The office provided specific contact numbers for voters who encounter problems. Residents can call the DAO Election Task Force hotline at 215-686-9641 to report irregularities. A state form is also available for reporting voter interference or intimidation. For general questions about the election process, voters should contact the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office at 215-686-VOTE.

The national nonpartisan Election Protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE, remains available for additional support. If voters face violence or physical threats at their polling station, officials urged them to call 9-1-1 immediately. The task force will remain active throughout the day to manage these situations.

The deployment of this task force marks a coordinated local and federal effort to oversee the midterm election. The presence of both city and federal monitors is intended to deter interference and provide clear channels for reporting issues. The DA's office will review any findings from the task force as the day progresses.