On Nov. 4, Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to either keep three Supreme Court judges on the bench, or remove them through a retention election.
Retention elections are a “nonpolitical method of reelecting Pennsylvania judges and are intended to be politically neutral,” according to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Voters will pick “Yes” or “No” on whether to keep the three incumbent Democrat judges, Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht for another ten-year term. If all three judges fail to get retention, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will be deadlocked with only two Democrat and two Republican judges. Failure to obtain retention will begin a two-year process to elect a new justice.
“Retention is specifically designed to keep judges out of the political fray while at the same time holding them accountable to the voters based on their overall records and performance in office,” said the AOPC. “The intent is to provide a fair and nonpartisan way for the public to judge its judges.”
The Pennsylvania Bar Association recommended all three judges for retention, citing their decision history, arguments, and fairness:
Justice Christine Donohue
“Justice Donohue has distinguished her Supreme Court tenure as a jurist who is thorough and well-prepared for oral arguments, treats litigants respectfully, is smart and fair, and is attentive and engaged during oral arguments. The candidate is well-qualified, is of impeccable character, and possesses a fine judicial temperament that is well suited for the Supreme Court.”
Justice Kevin Dougherty
“Justice Dougherty has earned high marks from the legal community for his efforts to assist the Court in addressing a broad range of complex legal issues, including matters of first impression. He is devoted to community service, promotes support for youth and promotes excellence and diversity in law enforcement.”
Justice David Wecht
“Justice Wecht possesses the legal ability, experience, integrity, intelligence, and work ethic to continue performing the duties of a Supreme Court Justice, and his judicial temperament is above reproach. Finally, the candidate serves on a number of committees for the courts, participates in continuing education panels for attorneys and remains active with various bar associations.”
Election results will be available at electionreturns.pa.gov.
