Pennsylvania judicial elections occur in odd-numbered years. Justices and judges may serve an unlimited number of terms until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 and are retained or re-elected by the voters. Vacancies that exist before an election may be filed by gubernatorial appointment until an election is held. These selections are subject to Senate confirmation.

Here is an election primer from the Monroe County League of Women Voters:Judge of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and the oldest appellate court in the nation.Term: 10 years, salary $206,054. Vote for one.Democratic candidates Dwayne Woodruff, McCandless of Allegheny and Republican Sally Mundy of Tioga did not respond.Judge of the Superior Court: The Superior Court is one of Pennsylvania's two statewide intermediate appellate courts.Term: 10 years, salary $191,422. Vote for four.Candidates were asked: As a member of the judiciary, what can you do on and off the bench to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to justice?DemocratsGeoff Moulton,Upper Dublin; occupation: Judge, Superior Court of PennsylvaniaI believe deeply in our civil justice system, but it is far from perfect, in large part because too many litigants do not have the resources to afford legal representation in important classes of cases where such representation is not provided by the state. As a result, I have supported and will continue to support efforts to find ways to bridge that gap, including the "Civil Gideon" movement.Maria McLaughlin,Philadelphia; occupation, Judge Court of Common Pleas.As a sitting judge I always ensure that all parties are treated fairly and equally regardless of the issue before the Court. I also believe it is my duty as a Judge to educate the public and is the reason I take part in many community based organizations. I believe I should be a good example both on and off the benchDebbie Kunselman,Beaver County; occupation, judge.As a judge, on the bench, I can treat self-represented litigants with respect, so they are not intimidated by the legal system. Off the bench, I can speak at seminars and to the general public about the need for all people to have access to a lawyer to protect their legal rights. I can also advocate for state funding for our public defenders. (Pennsylvania is one of only two states that does not provide any state funding to the public defenders' office.)William Caye,Allegheny County; occupation: statewide criminal and juvenile defense trial attorney.The rules of judicial conduct permit judges to engage in educational programs, engage in proactive community activities to enhance the perception of the bench and promote equal justice. n the bench, in chambers, and professional settings, judges must be respectful, courteous, kind and sensitive to the individuals that have business before the Courts. udges must be diligent public stewards of the authority vested in them by the people.Democratic candidateCarolyn Nicholsof Philadelphia did not respond.RepublicanEmil Giordano,Hanover Township, Northampton; occupation: Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.The biggest issue that needs to be addressed in the courts is the crisis of public confidence our judiciary faces. Through scandal and ethics lapses, the courts are viewed negatively by too many people. That image will only be changed by electing qualified, ethical judges who will comport themselves in an appropriate manner when in office.Wade A. Kagarise,Blair County; occupation: Court of Common Pleas Judge and adjunct professor.By working to improve the justice system for all Pennsylvanians. I have and will continue to work toward this goal. My experience on appointed committees has provided a venue to work on improvements. I also believe my experience as an adjunct professor has provided me the opportunity to have an impact on future generations of legal professionals.Mary Murray,Allegheny County; occupation: Magisterial District Judge and attorney.On the bench, I make sure that my staff provides litigates information on their rights to appeal and phone numbers for legal representation through Neighborhood Legal Services or Lawyer Referral Services or the Public Defender's Office. Additionally, we try to provide interpreters when requested by the litigants. Off the bench, every citizen should lobby for adequate funding for the Courts and Legal Service organizations.Paula A. Patrick,Philadelphia; occupation: Judge of Court of Common Pleas.I attempt to educate when possible about the justice system. I speak at forums, schools, community groups, churches, etc. to help give the public information that they may better be able to access justice.Craig Stedman,Manheim Township, Lancaster; occupation: Lancaster District Attorney.(Did not respond to this question.)