Behind The CurTain.

A look at Philadelphia’s Unique Polling StationsPhotographs by Ryan Donnell

Residential Basement (owneR deceased), south PhiladelPhia.

When most Americans think about a polling place, a high school

gym or a local church springs to mind.

Not iN PhiladelPhia.

In this old East Coast city, governed by ward politics and old

Democratic party machinery, polling places are tucked away in

unexpected locations — like private homes, bars and auto repair

shops.

Even on an Election Day fraught with change, these voting spots

remained untouched. Here’s a look at where Philadelphia voted

on Nov. 4, 2008.

wallPaPeR stoRe, Bella Vista

auto RePaiR shoP, southwest PhiladelPhia.

Vietnamese RestauRant, south PhiladelPhia

wallPaPeR stoRe, Bella Vista

auto RePaiR shoP, southwest PhiladelPhia.

luKe’s BaR, Fishtown

BaRBeR shoP, PennsPoRt.

RolleRsKating RinK, southwest PhiladelPhia.

centeR: mosque (PRayeR Rugs coVeRed),

noRtheast PhiladelPhia.

suRRounding: italian social cluB. south PhiladelPhia.

Residential gaRage, noRtheast PhiladelPhia.

Residential Basement (owneR deceased),

south PhiladelPhia.

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