Pennsylvania voters to decide on three Democratic justices

WYNNEFIELD, PA (WPHL) — Election Day is here for Pennsylvanians, and much of the attention has turned to the retention of three Democratic Supreme Court justices. The spotlight has been particularly intense around campaign advertising and its potential impact on voters’ decisions.

Justices Kevin Dougherty, David Wecht, and Christine Donohue are all up for retention, seeking another 10-year term on the state’s highest court. Voters will cast a simple “yes” or “no” vote on whether to keep each justice in office.

The race has drawn national attention. Former President Donald Trump took to social media to urge voters to reject the justices. At the same time, Governor Josh Shapiro responded with a post of his own, criticizing Trump’s credibility on matters of law and referencing the 2020 presidential election.

John Jones, who is a former federal judge and President of Dickinson College, stated. “I’m not surprised that Trump weighed in, nor am I surprised that Shapiro joined that dialogue with the president of the United States because of how politicized these races have become.”

The outcome of these retention votes could have significant implications for Pennsylvania’s judiciary and the balance of the state Supreme Court for the next decade.

Pennsylvania voting polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters will have the right to vote as long as they are in line before 8 p.m.