Philadelphia has historically fueled Democratic victories in Pennsylvania, but once strong Philadelphia voter engagement by its voters has started to wane, write Anthony J. Rivera and Colby Itkowitz for The Washington Post.

During the 2022 midterms, Philadelphia’s voter turnout dropped from 49 percent in 2018 to 43 percent, while turnout rose statewide. Things did not improve on May 16, when the city had a high-stakes mayoral primary. Only 32 percent of the city’s close to 800,000 registered Democrats turned out.

The situation is becoming worrisome for the city and state Democrats.

“I’m not feeling good,” said Bob Brady, a former congressman and longtime chairman of the city’s Democratic Party. “We do everything we can — the apathy is just there.”

Participation has dipped nationally among the Democrats’ core supporters, such as Black voters, who make up a significant share of the electorate in urban areas, Philadelphia included. Turnout of Black voters fell by almost 10 percent in 2022 compared to four years prior, to 42 percent.

“Philly is the engine of Democratic success in Pennsylvania, and when it isn’t performing, Democrats have lots to worry about,” said Chris Borick, a veteran pollster at Muhlenberg College.

Read more about Philadelphia voter engagement in The Washington Post.

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