West Philly's Gold Standard Cafe is still a polling place, 15 years later
Inquirer.com • • business
Key Points:
- The Gold Standard Cafe in West Philly has been serving as a polling place twice a year for 15 years, with voting booths set up in the dining room while the kitchen operates takeout only.
- Philadelphia city officials prioritize locating polling places within walking distance in familiar community spots, including nontraditional venues like cafes, barbershops, churches, and music venues to enhance voter accessibility.
- Polling locations receive a small rental fee ($150 per district) as compensation, and the unique venues contribute to Philadelphia’s diverse and community-centered election culture.
- Candidates and community members embrace the use of unconventional polling sites, viewing it as a practical and distinctly Philadelphia approach to civic engagement.
- After polls close, venues like Gold Standard Cafe quickly revert to their usual business, maintaining normal operations by the following morning.