PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia nonprofit that advocates for children is trying to boost turnout for next month’s judicial elections by releasing its first family-centered voter guide.
Children First Executive Director Donna Cooper says the courts have an enormous impact on children and families, but the judicial election process is so daunting that many parents sit out. Turnout is normally a fraction of what it is in a presidential year. Cooper hopes the guide by the group’s political arm will show parents how important their vote is.
“There’s a really big question on the ballot: Do you think the people that are running to be re-elected or for (open seats) have a track record that aligns with how you want your children to be raised in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?”
The ballot includes several statewide and local retention elections — a yes-no vote on whether judges should keep their seats — as well as elections for open seats. Cooper hopes the guide makes the ballot easier to navigate and urges family-oriented voters to take a look.
“You ought to know, as a parent, how have they ruled on issues affecting kids and parents? Parents' rights, kids' futures. That’s what we wanted to give voters the information about.”
To access the Judicial Voter Guide, click here.