Ballot question

Philadelphia Charter Change Question #1: Small and Local Business Contracting Preferences

On the ballot in: Philadelphia County
Vote: Yes or no
Election: Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Should the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to revise the City's contracting procedures to allow for bid preferences and set-asides for small businesses; modify the threshold and standards for contracts that can be set aside for small and local businesses; and grant the Procurement Department and the City Solicitor discretion on bond requirements for certain construction projects?

A “Yes” vote means

Amends the Home Rule Charter so the City can give contracting preferences to small businesses and expand them for local businesses on City-funded projects.

A “No” vote means

Leaves the Charter's contracting procedures, set-aside rules and bond requirements as they are.

Official plain English statement

The City’s Home Rule Charter sets up the framework of City government. The Charter is the City’s constitution. A “yes” vote means the Charter would be amended so the City can give contracting preferences to small businesses and expand them for local businesses for City-funded projects.

On every Philadelphia ballot as "QUESTION #1 / Proposed Charter Change 1 / Bill No. 260457". Submitted to the voters by Bill No. 260457 (became law June 23, 2026) and Resolution No. 260467 (adopted June 4, 2026), per the City Commissioners' ballot questions document. The plain-English text is the "Statement" the City Commissioners published with the question.

Sources

Candidates for Office (with sample ballots by split) — November 3, 2026 General Election, Philadelphia · Philadelphia City Commissioners
Official Notice of Election for Military and Overseas Voters, Philadelphia County, 2026 General and Special Election · Philadelphia County Board of Elections (City Commissioners)
2026 General Election Ballot Questions: Proposed Charter Change Questions #1 and #2, with statements · Philadelphia City Commissioners

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.