Lambda Legal

All too often people cast their votes for judges without knowing very much about the candidates they are voting for. But with important issues coming before state courts on a regular basis, it's imperative that you use the voice granted to you by our democracy to elect a fair and impartial candidate.

How can you learn more about these judicial candidates?

• Visit a candidate’s official website or request candidate-sponsored campaign literature
• Conduct your own research by using Internet search engines, such as Google or MSN
• Read newspapers, other media articles or editorials and blogs
• Consult state and local bar associations
• Contact civic leagues and other organizations that may publish guides about candidates
• Ask state and local interest groups who focus on the issues you care about most who they support

Visit Lambda Legal's Fair Courts Project

Definitions

Voter Election - Partisan

An election in which multiple candidates may seek the same judicial position. Voters cast ballots for judicial candidates as they do for other public officials. A partisan election is one in which candidates run for a judicial position with the official endorsement of a political party. The candidate’s party affiliation is listed on the ballot.

Voter Election - Nonpartisan

An election in which multiple candidates may seek the same judicial position. Voters cast ballots for judicial candidates as they do for other public officials. An election in which a judicial candidate’s party affiliation, if any, is not designated on the ballot.

Retention

Judges stand for retention election near the end of their term of office. In a retention election, judges do not have opponents. Instead, voters decide whether or not to retain a judge in office. If a judge receives a simple majority of "yes" votes, the judge may serve another full term.

Appointment

There are two types of appointments: Gubernatorial and Legislative. Gubernatorial appointment is the process by which a judge is appointed by the governor (without a judicial nominating commission). The appointment may require confirmation by the legislature or an executive council. A Legislative appointment is the process by which judges are nominated and appointed or elected by legislative vote only.

Return to the state elections list