Democratic candidates for Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme courts spoke to a crowd of about 30 people on Saturday evening, July 26, at the Butler County Democratic Committee office.

Butler County was their last stop for the evening after spending the day meeting with Democrats from counties in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Catherine Lalonde, committee chairwoman, said.

Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel began the event by introducing candidates for local elections, including Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy, who is running for reelection.

“We have a lot of work left to do in this city (Butler),” Dandoy said.

Boozel discussed the importance of high Pennsylvania courts and said he is considering pursuing a lawsuit against Butler County’s sheriff for agreeing to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Everything I’ve seen goes to state courts,” he said. “Only because of the courts do we have a voice.”

Justice Christine Donohue spoke on behalf of herself, Justice Kevin Dougherty and Justice David Wecht. All three candidates are up for retention on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court, but only Donohue could attend.

Donohue claimed the ballot will list a “straight yes or no” option asking voters if they would like to retain her and her fellow justices, since they are running without contest.

She urged the crowd to check the back of their ballots when voting, since the question may be listed there.

“Our only opponent is apathy,” Donohue said. “Our second-biggest opponent is attention.”

The candidate explained the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is sworn to uphold the Pennsylvania Constitution, which is different from the U.S. one. It includes its own Equal Rights Amendment, offering protection not seen at a federal level.

“We have sworn to serve without fear or favor,” Donohue said.

Brandon Neuman, a judge in Washington County, is running for Pennsylvania Superior Court for the first time. This is one step below Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.

He claimed both he and Stella Tsai, who is running for Commonwealth Court, are highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Neuman’s opponent, who allegedly refused an interview with the association, is not.

Neuman asked attendees to help mobilize the 7,400 people in Butler County who voted by mail last year but have not signed up for this year’s mail-in ballot.

“These are low information races,” Neuman said, “We gotta give them a reason to vote.”

He reiterated Donohue’s statements about the significance of the Pennsylvania Constitution and odd-year elections.

“We are all living ruling by ruling,” he said. “Don’t be intimidated. We are here to help you organize.”

Tsai, currently a justice in Philadelphia, said she and Neuman are aiming to fill single vacancies on the Commonwealth and Superior courts, respectively.

“Our decisions will affect the entire commonwealth,” Tsai said.

The general election will take place later this year, on Nov. 4.