PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra are not letting a trip to China stop them from voting — or from encouraging others to vote as well.
Although their instruments sat silent, members of the Orchestra made noise about voting in the general election, as they dropped their absentee ballots off at City Hall on Tuesday.
“I think every citizen of this country should have the opportunity to have their voice heard.”
Philadelphia Orchestra principal bassist Joseph Conyers and his colleagues are touring China from Oct. 27 through Nov. 10 and will miss the chance to vote in person on Nov. 5.
✅ Voter Guide
But this civic duty is one he takes very seriously, and one wants to make sure he and others participate in.
“There’s so many folks who died and sacrificed their lives for us to have this ability, so I try to vote in every election that’s possible to vote in.”
As third chair horn, Chelsea McFarland is used to being heard.
“I find it very important to get those ballots in and have our voices heard, especially in an important place.”
McFarland and a number of other Orchestra members dropped their absentee ballots off at City Hall on Tuesday to show the power of early and absentee voting.
“It’s wonderful, such an easy process to get my ballot and so easy to turn it in today. I’m so happy to be doing it.”
City Commissioner Omar Sabir says the ability to submit an absentee ballot is not something that’s exclusive to people who are leaving town.
“We have 11 satellite locations all across the city of Philadelphia, including City Hall. You will walk in, you’ll be able to get registered to vote, apply for your vote-by-mail ballot, have a private area where you can cast it.”
Sabir adds there are also staff on hand at these locations to help voters through the process.
“There is plenty of opportunity for you to still have your voice heard,” said City Commissioner Lisa Deeley. “Please make a plan. Be a voter.”