Judicial retention elections in Pennsylvania are usually quiet, nonpartisan affairs. This year is different. What is normally a routine vote has become a high-stakes political battle over control of the state’s highest court, fueled by national attention, outside money, and a flood of deceptive advertising.

The question before voters is straightforward: Should three Supreme Court Justices–Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht–be retained for another 10 years? The answer should rest on truth, not misinformation.

Retention elections are simple: a “YES” or “NO” vote. Justices have no opponents, and political affiliations are not listed. The process is designed to keep judges independent while holding them accountable. Nonpartisan groups, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association, recommend retaining all three justices, citing their strong qualifications and judicial integrity.

Unfortunately, voters are being misled by a well-funded campaign backed by billionaires and political action committees. Mailers falsely claim the justices “gerrymandered districts to help Democrats,” when in fact the map in question was drawn by Republican legislators and struck down by the court as unconstitutional. Other ads distort the justices’ records on reproductive rights and election law. Spotlight PA has called these mailers “incredibly dishonest,” and The Philadelphia Inquirer depicts them as materially misleading.

The stakes are high. If justices aren’t retained, vacancies could paralyze the court and jeopardize rulings on voting rights, reproductive rights, education, and more.

Reject the lies. Vote YES to retain Pennsylvania’s judges. A vote for retention is a vote for truth, transparency, and judicial independence.

NANCY CHISWICK

State College

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom