Retention election
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A judicial retention vote differs from regular voting in that when voting for judicial retention, a voter is not choosing between opposing candidates. In a retention election, the incumbent judge is not being evaluated against an opponent. Rather, the voter expresses approval or disapproval of a particular judge. A judge remains in the position by a simple majority of approval votes.
Retention votes are frequently thought of in connection with the commission-selection, political appointment method of judicial selection. However, some states that choose state Supreme Court justices for their initial term in office using partisan or non-partisan elections, use a retention election for subsequent terms on the court.
Retention rules by state
Pennsylvania
- See also: Judicial selection in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, retention elections are always held in November. Voters are asked to vote "yes" or "no" on whether to reelect each judge seeking retention. The names of those judges who are seeking retention are listed in a separate part of the ballot. No political affiliation is listed.[1]
Retention votes in 2008
External links
References
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