Elections in odd numbered years are sometimes described as “off year.” Instead of voting for a prominent national office, governor, Congress or the state legislature, we elect municipal officials and “lesser known” statewide offices. On November 5, 2013, Pennsylvanians will select or retain state Supreme Court justices and judges on the Superior Court. These races might not attract as much attention, but the election of these officials is anything but “off.”
Electing qualified, capable and value minded judges is just as important, or maybe more so, than electing the right governor or lawmakers. As part of our checks and balances system, the courts are the third equal branch of state government. Their role is to preserve the rule of law and guarantee the rights and liberties of citizens. Disputes are brought before the court seeking a fair resolution that upholds the Constitutions of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. Judges make decisions that affect everyone, including who has a right to life, what is marriage, when should religion be protected, who can adopt children, and many other important questions.
The challenge with judicial elections is finding information about the candidates on which to base your voting decision. Although a recent federal court ruling clarified that candidates can talk about issues, out of fear that their comments might prejudice future court cases, candidates for judicial office often do not share their personal positions on controversial issues. However, many special interest organizations do evaluate candidates based on their record or other public evidence of their philosophy. These groups often endorse one candidate over another.
We can understand a lot about candidates by reviewing their lists of endorsements. Catholics might be interested in a candidate’s stand on human life, school choice, marriage, social justice or other issues. An endorsement from the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation or Planned Parenthood gives us a clue about whether a candidate is pro-life or pro-abortion. The support of public education associations or taxpayer watchdog groups could, although not absolutely, shed light on how a candidate might feel about school choice. Endorsements from other like-minded political leaders who do speak out about issues can also provide insight into the philosophy of the candidate. It is said a person is known “by the company that he or she keeps.”
Every voter should take time to research the candidates. Many non-partisan organizations such as the Pennsylvania Bar Association or your local newspaper publish voter guides, often including endorsements. The Pennsylvania Family Institute publishes a voter guide that touches on many issues that are also important to Catholics. But the most effective way to research is to contact the candidates themselves. Some judicial candidates have their own websites or social media sites which proudly list the endorsements they received. Those up for retention have their resumes on the court system website.
Who we elect to the bench sets the stage for how rights, liberties and justice will be upheld in public policy. During this “off year” election, we have a responsibility to elect judges who will be fair, responsible and “on target” to represent the values that make Pennsylvania great.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court – Vote for retention yes or no
- Justice Max Baer (Democrat) – www.pacourts.us/courts/supreme-court/supreme-court-justices/justice-max-baer
- Chief Justice Ronald Castille (Republican) – www.pacourts.us/courts/supreme-court/supreme-court-justices/chief-justice-ronald-d-castille
Pennsylvania Superior Court – Vote for retention yes or no
- Judge Jack Panella (Democrat) – www.pacourts.us/courts/superior-court/superior-court-judges/judge-jack-a-panella or www.facebook.com/jackpanellacampaign
- Judge Susan Peikes Gantman (Republican) – www.pacourts.us/courts/superior-court/superior-court-judges/judge-susan-peikes-gantman
Pennsylvania Superior Court – Vote for one
- Judge Jack McVay, Jr. (Democrat) – www.judgejackmcvay.com/
- Vic Stabile (Republican) – www.vicstabile.com/
October 2013. Reprint of October 2011 PCC column prepared by staff of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs agency of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania. Stay up-to-date with Catholic news and issues at pacatholic.org, www.facebook.com/pacatholic, and www.twitter.com/pacatholic.
