The bar ranks judicial candidates as “highly recommended,” “recommended,” or “not recommended” based on the candidate’s judicial record and interviews with a judicial evaluation commission. Ratings from the Pennsylvania Bar Association can be similarly important. They also can’t make promises that they’ll rule in certain ways.īecause judicial elections tend to have relatively low voter turnout, and because judges have less direct contact with the public than local representatives, party endorsements can be a powerful determinant of who wins a judicial primary. Prospective judges can’t directly ask for donations, though their campaign committees can. There are a few key differences between a judicial election and other political elections in the commonwealth, however. Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that elect judges in partisan contests, meaning candidates run under the banner of a political party, collect endorsements, and raise money. Register to vote, change your registration, request a mail ballot, and read more guides at /elections. Pennsylvania is one of nine states that has closed primaries, which prevent third-party and unaffiliated voters from participating in partisan elections. Not all voters will be able to participate in the upcoming judicial primaries, which will be held May 16. Superior Court handles criminal, family, and civil cases that are appealed by county Courts of Common Pleas. The two intermediate appellate courts serve distinct roles in the commonwealth’s legal system.Ĭommonwealth Court presides over civil actions brought by and against the Pennsylvania state government and hears appeals primarily in cases involving state departments and local governments. Judges on both courts are often top candidates to fill openings on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The person who wins the open seat on Commonwealth Court could help shape Pennsylvania’s laws on everything from elections to firearms, while the two candidates who win seats on Superior Court could decide the outcomes of high-profile criminal cases. Their rulings can be appealed to the state Supreme Court, Pennsylvania’s court of last resort. Pennsylvania’s two intermediate appellate courts have the power to affirm or reverse decisions made in lower courts. The winners will compete in the November general election. HARRISBURG - In May, Democrats and Republicans will choose their parties’ candidates for three vacant seats on Commonwealth and Superior courts. The Pennsylvania Judicial Center, located in Harrisburg, is the home of the Commonwealth Court.
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