Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Race 2025

On November 4, three state Supreme Court justices are up for retention. These retention elections appear as a YES or NO question at the end of your ballot.
A blue graphic with a photo of the liberty bell with text that says, "Our state supreme court is the last line of defense for our rights. November 4".

WHAT IS A RETENTION ELECTION?

A retention election is a nonpartisan process for voters to decide whether to retain (or keep) an elected official in office by casting a YES or NO vote.

In Pennsylvania, state Supreme Court justices serve 10-year terms. They are first elected in a partisan election, and at the end of each term, they face a retention election.

WHAT DOES A YES OR NO VOTE MEAN IN A RETENTION ELECTION?

A YES vote keeps the current state Supreme Court in place.

A NO vote triggers a two-year partisan process to elect a new justice.

WHY ARE THESE ELECTIONS IMPORTANT?

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decides many important cases that affect our daily lives. Make sure you make a plan to vote!

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IMPORTANT DATES

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025

Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you are allowed to vote.

 

  • Monday, October 20, 2025: Last day to register to vote.
    To check your registration status, go to Find Voter Registration Status.
  • Tuesday, October 28, 2025 by 5 p.m.: Last day to request a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot.
  • Tuesday, November 4, 2025: Completed mail-in ballots must be received by your county boards of election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. (A postmark is not enough.)
  • Wednesday, November 12, 2025: Last day for county boards of elections to receive completed military and overseas absentee ballots (submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 p.m. on November 3, 2025)
Find your polling place here
A picture of a woman with long black hair in a high-low ponytail in a black blazer jacket pointing to a voting sticker on a light blue background.

Have questions or need help voting? Contact the nonpartisan election protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) for Spanish language assistance.

For more information about your voting rights, visit our Know Your Voting Rights page.

Related Content

Press Release
Nov 04, 2025
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Pennsylvania Voters Choose to Retain Justices Known for Upholding Civil Liberties

Voters make clear: Protecting abortion rights and civil liberties starts with a fair and independent state Supreme Court
Court Cases: Warren, et al. v. Commonwealth, et al., Pennsylvania State Conference of the NAACP et al. v. Schmidt et al