Did you know that PA is one of only seven states that elect all of their judges? I did not. This is the first state I have lived in where voters decide on all judges. That is power!

As this is my first retention election, I have researched the decisions of the Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht. Although I do not agree with all of their decisions, I will vote Yes for their retention.

From my review, these justices follow the law and precedent and have sought to protect or strengthen voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, the right to bodily autonomy and public education. 

I encourage you to go to the website Guides.vote for non-partisan information on the 2025 PA judicial elections.

I have seen a lot of misinformation out there. Do your own research. Judges are often the last line of defense to protect our rights and our democracy. If the three Supreme Court justices are not retained, those seats may remain unfilled until the next judicial election in 2027, essentially rendering the Supreme Court nonfunctioning. 

I know that off-year municipal and retention elections are not as high profile or flashy as the presidential elections, but I would argue that they are more important, as they impact us more directly, and more often, than what happens in D.C.

Please vote in the November 4 election and please vote Yes to retain the justices and the judges. It’s located on the back of your ballot. Thank you.

Julie Pease

Lake Ariel, PA