MOSCOW BOROUGH, PA (September 2, 2026) – Lackawanna County’s Court of Common Pleas has clarified that Judge of Elections Teresa Ripley was removed from office only for the remainder of the 2026 Primary Election Day—not permanently. The court explained she remains in office and is eligible to serve in the General Election and through the rest of her term.
Despite this good news, the case continues because Ripley was denied constitutional due process, even during her temporary removal.
“Judge of Elections Teresa Ripley deserves due process, whether her removal was temporary or permanent,” said PILF President J. Christian Adams. “Due process guarantees every American fair treatment and proper legal procedures—protections our client was denied. We will continue fighting until justice is served.”
Read more about PILF’s appeal concerning the removal of Lackawanna County Judge of Elections Teresa Ripley here.
Noel Johnson serves as PILF’s counsel. Linda A. Kerns of the Law Offices of Linda A. Kerns, LLC serves as PILF’s local counsel.
The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) is the nation’s only public interest law firm dedicated wholly to election integrity. The Foundation exists to assist states and others to aid the cause of election integrity and fight against lawlessness in American elections. Drawing on numerous experts in the field, PILF seeks to protect the right to vote and preserve the Constitutional framework of American elections.
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