When Pennsylvania voters head to the polls, many will encounter a unique section on their ballot: judicial retention elections. These races ask a simple “yes or no” question about whether a sitting judge should continue serving. Judicial decisions shape our communities and voters should understand what is at stake.

Independence and accountability

Judicial retention elections in Pennsylvania play a crucial role in maintaining an independent and accountable judiciary, yet they often receive far less attention than other races on the ballot. Unlike contested elections where multiple candidates compete for an open seat, retention elections evaluate whether a sitting judge should remain on the bench.

These elections occur after a judge has served an initial term, typically ten years, giving

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