At the polls, Philly residents are ‘voting with a purpose,’ U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans says

“They are voting with a purpose,” he said during an election update held Tuesday afternoon at Relish Restaurant in West Oak Lane.

The restaurant traditionally hosts an Election Day luncheon that draws community members and leaders from the African American community, however the event was held virtually this year due to the coronavirus.

Evans said Vice President Joe Biden has demonstrated the leadership that the country needs.

“When you think about it, it’s important to understand what Vice President Biden means at this particular point,” said Evans, who is up for re-election. “He has demonstrated throughout the campaign the importance of bringing people together.”

Evans said issues such as character, behavior, community development, criminal justice and social justice on the ballot.

“All of these issues are on ballot and our democracy is on the ballot,” he said.

Evans spent the morning visiting polling places in Northwest Philadelphia, South Philadelphia and Wynnefield. He started out by visiting Finley Playground in Northwest Philadelphia where he observed 100 people waiting in line at 7 a.m.

The congressman said everyone was cooperative at all the polling places he visited and he didn’t see any instances of voter intimidation.

“I just saw people that were focused,” Evans says of the voters he observed.

“People understand what is on the line. They understand that democracy is on the line. They understand that they need a change in the White House.”

“These people are very much determined to make a change,” Evans said.

“Washington is not going to change itself. If Washington doesn’t react, we have to make a change. That’s what I say to the people. It’s simple. If you don’t like what you see. Change it.”

Michael D’Onofrio is a reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune, where this story first appeared.