What Pennsylvania Truckers Need to Know

When Pennsylvanians head to the polls for this November’s election, they will determine the fate of three sitting state Supreme Court justices, Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht, through a retention election.

Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that elects all of its judges. After an initial 10-year term, judges don’t run against an opponent. Instead, they face a simple “yes” or “no” vote on whether to be retained. A “yes” vote keeps them on the bench for another decade (or until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 75). A “no” vote removes them from office and opens the seat to a new partisan election.

Why Retention Matters This Year

This year’s retention elections are not a formality. With three of the state’s seven Supreme Court justices up for retention at one time, this year represents a unique opportunity to shape the direction of the highest court in Pennsylvania.

The outcome of November’s judicial retention votes will shape how Pennsylvania’s courts handle issues that matter most to trucking companies, their employees, and their families well into the future. These decisions affect the legal environment in which our industry operates — from lawsuit abuse and liability matters to regulatory interpretation — making these elections critically important for the safety, stability, and success of trucking in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has a profound impact on issues that affect the legal environment in Pennsylvania and the state’s economy, including:

• Venue shopping
• Damage limitations (or lack thereof)
• Product liability standards
• Expanded liability and uncertainty for business

How to Vote

All registered Pennsylvania voters can vote “yes” or “no” for the three Supreme Court Justices up for retention this fall. For information on how to register, request a ballot, or vote in person, visit the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Website.