A voter guide to Pennsylvania’s 2021 judicial elections

Katie Meyer, WHYY

In Pennsylvania, the partisan election means judges must run under the umbrella of a political party, raise money through campaign committees, and collect endorsements from political groups. There are crucial differences from other political races, though. Judicial candidates aren’t allowed to solicit donations directly. They also can’t promise to rule a certain way on any specific issues.

Here is a guide to the roles and recent histories of the courts, and the candidates who are hoping for a chance to shape them.