Pennsylvania § 3153 - Retention elections after regular term.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3153 — Retention elections after regular term., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3153. Retention elections after regular term.
(a) General rule.--A judge elected under section 3131 (relating to selection of judicial officers for regular terms) or retained under this section may file a declaration of candidacy for retention election with the Secretary of the Commonwealth on or before the first Monday of January of the year preceding the year in which his term of office expires. If no declaration is filed, a vacancy shall exist upon the expiration of the term of office of such judge, to be filled by election under section 3131(c).
(b) Judicial ballot.--If a judge files a declaration, his name shall be submitted to the electors without party designation, as a separate judicial question or in a separate column or line on voting machines, at the municipal election immediately preceding the expiration of the term of office of the judge, to determine only the question whether he shall be retained in office.
(c) Results of election.--If a majority is against retention, a vacancy shall exist upon the expiration of his term of office, to be filled by appointment under section 3132(a) (relating to vacancies in office). If a majority favors retention, the judge shall serve for the regular term of office provided for in section 3152 (relating to tenure of judicial officers), unless sooner removed or retired. At the expiration of each term a judge shall be eligible for retention as provided in this section, subject only to the retirement provisions of this part.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)
1978 Amendment. Act 53 amended the section heading.
Cross References. Section 3153 is referred to in sections 3131, 3132 of this title.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 3153
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3153 cover?
Section 3153 ("Retention elections after regular term.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 3153?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3153" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 3153 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.