Need some help from Philly or Pittsburgh folks

[whitewomenforobama]

I'd like to organize a DU effort to send hot food to folks waiting in particularly long voting lines. Cheap, hot, and deliverable food would be preferable, something that would appeal people of all ages, and pizza comes to mind. I think it might be most effective if DU adopts a single city -- this would maximize the chances local media might pick it up and inspire similar efforts in other cities, and it seems like having more people involved would help keep whichever shops we use honest.

I'd like to contact a trustworthy, Democratic-friendly, preferably mom 'n' pop pizza shop in the selected area, and organize interested DU folks from all over the country each to send a pie or two to be delivered at random to people standing in lines. It would be stressed that these pizzas were NOT connected to any particular candidate or party, and that all voters were welcome to partake -- no litmus tests for pizza here. We'd have to be very careful not to violate any election laws or to be seen as trying to bribe voters or anything similar, and should check in with local officials to make sure all is in compliance.

My preferences for choosing a city/polling location: low-income, predominantly Democratic, ideally with a GOP governor or mayor, and maybe predominantly African-American, where voters are more likely to encounter longer lines, suppression, and other problems. Cold-climated areas, where voters waiting in long lines face additional challenges, is another consideration.

Philly and Pittsburgh, which have the additional extraordinary challenge of no early voting, seem to be good prospects.

My questions are this:
Do you think this is a worthwhile effort?
Would you be willing to support it?
Which specific polling location in Pennsylvania would benefit most?
What would be the best times to have food delivered?
Can you recommend a few good, trustworthy shops near this polling location to carry this out?

Thanks for any help you can give!

[JPZenger]

1. Be a little careful

You have to be a little careful to not hand out anything of value to voters.

In 2004, the volunteer attorney with the Kerry campaign warned us about that. We handed out water bottles to the people in long lines, which he said was fine because it was of nominal value. I suggest granola bars, which is much less messy and cheaper per person. Also, it may be helpful to have some folding chairs - some people have a hard time standing for long periods of time.

[whitewomenforobama]

2. Thanks, thing is, I'm in Texas,

and can't help PA in person, so I was trying to think of a way to help from here. We have early voting here, and our lines have been pretty orderly and quick, so there's not much I can do to help in this way in my own neighborhood. Ordering pizza delivery over the phone for people waiting in hours-long lines and possibly inclement weather was the best I could come up with. I've also heard that I might come up against some challenges with ward leaders, and I'm starting to think maybe my plan won't work after all. I appreciate your advice though. Is there anything a person in Texas might do to help PA?

[JPZenger]

4. I suggest sending pizza to the offices for volunteers

Hundreds of people will be coming into PA from other states to volunteer over the next 5 days. If there is pizza sitting there, it will save them time. I suggest having pizza delivered to the Obama offices.

Here are some addresses of Obama offices;

531 Main St., Bethlehem PA 18018 610-807-3690

917 W. Hamilton St, Allentown PA 18101 610-704-9392

355 Ferry St., Easton PA 18042 610-564-4777

There's Pizza Hut, Dominos and Little John's nearby. I believe they let you order over the web.

[whitewomenforobama]

5. Wonderful! Thanks again!! nt

[MrMickeysMom]

3. Maybe take that left-over Halloween candy...

and have it in a bucket labeled, "No tricks... just treats!"

I personally have myself standing out in front of a poll as a local candidate that day, and have to bring my own goodies to survive the day. If I have any left-over candy, I'll have it on me in some fashion.

I don't want to influence anyone's vote either. However, I'm running on both D and R (unopposed since primary) tickets! I wonder what light that places around my potential influence peddling, eh? Should I just keep it for myself?