Watch CBS News

Referendum On Raising Pennsylvania Judges Retirement Age Delayed

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A voter referendum on raising the mandatory retirement age for Pennsylvania judges to age 70 to age 75 will be delayed, even though it will appear on the ballot in some counties.

Arguing against the change, Allegheny County Democrat Jay Costa, the Senate minority leader, said delaying the referendum on raising the retirement age for judges to age 75 until fall will disenfranchise the primary voters who may see it on the ballot in their county.

"We're going to say, 'Don't worry about that. You can vote on it, but we're not going to count your vote.' We're telling the Secretary of State not to certify your vote total," Costa said. "And we're going to go spend the money again in November, and we're going to ask you to vote again in November."

Those who support delaying the referendum on judges' retirement age say more people will have a chance to vote on it in November. They also say the question on the ballot will use clearer language.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.