The Costs of Running Philadelphia’s Elections Have Risen

Philadelphia elections used to cost about the same amount each year, in large part because nearly all votes were cast in person, with most costs largely fixed.

But elections have become significantly more expensive in recent years with the boom in mail voting and new voting machines, as reflected in the budget of Philly’s elections officials, the city commissioners.

Fiscal years begin in the summer and are named for the calendar year in which they end, so 2023 represents the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

The 2022 numbers reflect estimates for the current year, and the 2023 number is Mayor Kenney’s proposal. Numbers are not adjusted for inflation.
Chart: JONATHAN LAI