John,

The confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court has us reflecting on judicial representation in Pennsylvania. Did you know that there are now only two people of color sitting on the Commonwealth’s intermediate appellate courts?

That clearly is not reflective of our Commonwealth’s demographically changing population. But it could get worse. Right now, there is legislation being considered to gerrymander our state appellate courts — the Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts — that would change the way we elect our judges and justices, taking the power away from the voters and putting it in the hands of our state legislators.

John, we’re working hard here at the New Pennsylvania Project to expand the Commonwealth’s electorate and ensure our government reflects the diversity of our state. This is just one more reminder of the importance of that work. Will you donate $10 today to help us expand the electorate in Pennsylvania before it’s too late?
DONATE NOW Make no mistake, this is part of a nationwide attack on state courts that ruled against gerrymandering. The legislators behind this move had no issue with the way our judges and justices were elected so long as the courts ruled in their favor. Now that the courts approved maps that are constitutional and much fairer than years past, our Republican-controlled state legislature wants to gerrymander the courts so they can choose who gets elected instead of the voters.

Even though there are no judicial seats up for election this year, the courts are still an important topic when understanding the value of your vote. We’ve seen how important our state courts have been over the past several years in defending the right to vote and striking down attempts at disenfranchising Black and brown voters. We must expand the electorate in Pennsylvania to be sure we see ourselves represented on the courts and in all positions of power.

John, it’s clearer than ever just how important this election is. Please, stand with us against this massive overreach by making a contribution of $10 or whatever works for your budget today.
DONATE NOW
In solidarity,

Team NPP