Inquirer Editorial: Vote no on misleading ballot question that would raise judges' retirement age

For all of his many disqualifying faults to ever be president, Donald Trump has tapped into the emotions of a large segment of voters who feel government in America caters mainly to insiders and the well connected. That anger extends well beyond Washington to state houses and city halls. Exhibit A in Pennsylvania is the underhanded attempt in Harrisburg to raise the retirement age for state judges.

A legitimate case could be made as to whether judges should be forced to retire, and at what age. Of course, a good case could also be made that, given the string of corruption cases and scandals involving Pennsylvania judges, the sooner some exit the bench, the better.

But rather than have an honest policy debate, the state legislature decided instead to just rig a ballot question on when judges must retire in an effort to mislead voters on Nov. 8.

The question's original wording asked voters if the retirement age should be raised from 70 to 75. But Republicans, who control both legislative chambers, later decided that wording was cumbersome and confusing. So, just weeks before the April primary, they approved a joint resolution - supported by some Democrats - that changed the wording.

Now when voters go to the polls, the ballot will read: "Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to require that justices of the Supreme Court, judges, and magisterial district judges be retired on the last day of the calendar year in which they attain the age of 75 years?"

The slick wordsmithing appears designed to trick voters into thinking they are being asked to institute a retirement age. Edited out of the ballot question is this key detail: There is already a retirement age. Apparently, what voters don't know won't hurt them.

As is often the case in Harrisburg, the wording change had little to do with helping voters. It is really about helping judges keep their jobs. Big shock: One judge in particular stands to benefit immediately. Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor, a Republican, turns 70 next month. If the ballot measure does not pass, he will be forced to retire. The next justice in line to lead the high court is Max Baer, a Democrat.

A lawsuit was filed by two former state Supreme Court chief justices and a noted attorney challenging the change in the wording. The state Supreme Court deadlocked on a decision and the plaintiffs have gone to federal court.

Barring a last-minute court ruling, it is up to voters to sort through the trickery and send a message to Harrisburg. Let state lawmakers know that you are tired of their self-dealing. They are supposed to represent you, not insiders and special interests.

So on Nov. 8, when Pennsylvanians see the ballot question asking whether judges should retire at age 75, remember to vote NO.