judgesonmerit.org

In a letter to the editor published this weekend in the Philadelphia Inquirer, we call upon the legislature to consider the Merit Selection bills before the summer recess. We understand that changing the way we select appellate judges is a complex issue that needs examination and discussion. We just want the opportunity to have that discussion.

“It’s time we got the chance to show we want something different than the broken electoral system. But first, the legislature must act.” Visit this page to learn about how you can tell the legislature you want a chance to talk about Merit Selection.

A recent Philadelphia Inquirer editorial urged the state legislature to stay on track and not get diverted from pursuing important reform legislation, such as legislative redistricting. We share the Inquirer’s concern that this legislative session is winding down with precious little action on some critical issues that affect the way we run our government.

Our primary concern is Merit Selection of appellate judges. Bills to amend the constitution have been referred to the Judiciary Committees in both houses. Passage of such bills is the first step toward letting Pennsylvanians vote in a referendum on how to choose appellate judges.

But first, we need a hearing. Please tell your legislators — particularly Judiciary Committee members and committee chairs Senator Greenleaf and Representative Caltagirone — that you want a chance to vote on changing how we choose appellate judges.