As we approach the Nov. 4 retention election, Pennsylvanians are being flooded with misleading mailers about our judges. These mailers are from Republicans who urge a NO vote, to remove the three justices who were elected 10 years ago. Let’s be clear: a retention vote is not supposed to be a partisan contest. Voters simply decide “yes” or “no” on whether a sitting justice or appellate judge should continue another term based on their records.

Judges up for retention already serve with records open to review. They are evaluated by bar associations and performance commissions, not political operatives from the other party with millions to spend. These justices have been recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

The sudden wave of negative mailers is political, not factual. The outcome could shift control of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in an election where justices running as Republicans are elected. The stakes are real. Should all three justices be ousted, only four justices, equally split between Democrats and Republicans, would remain. Next year’s midterms would be affected when the inevitable lawsuits are filed.

I urge voters to look past scare tactics, check reputable sources, and make decisions based on facts -- not misinformation. In this retention election, your informed yes or no really matters. Protect the fairness and independence of our judiciary.

Maria Duca

Chestnut Hill