US states have partisan elections for judges. Some may have partisan elections for all judicial positions while others have it for some judges but not all of them.
The following states elect judges in partisan elections:
- Alabama
- Arizona – Both partisan and non-partisan elections.
- Connecticut – Only holds elections for probate court judges.
- Illinois
- Indiana – Both partisan and non-partisan elections.
- Kansas – Partisan primaries and nonpartisan general elections.
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina – Only holds elections for probate court judges.
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- West Virginia
Source: Ballotpedia
A candidate might want to run for judge because they have a deep understanding of the law and have a passion for justice. They might also want to be a judge because they are deeply committed to the law, public service, and want to give back to their community.
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In the United States, anyone can run for judge. However, they need to meet certain qualifications to be eligible.
The qualifications vary from state to state but generally speaking, one needs to have a law degree and be licensed in the state in which they are running for judge.
Some states require that a person must be an attorney to run for judge. Other states allow any qualified adult citizen to run for judge, regardless of their profession or experience.
Generally, judges often have many years of experience in law before they become eligible for appointment and training as judges. This experience is necessary to be able to handle the heavy responsibility that comes with the position. Judges also need strong communication skills as they will often be required to speak in public, or give speeches at conferences.
A judge is typically an individual who is empowered to adjudicate at a law court. Judges are trained professionals who are tasked to make decisions in a court of law. They interpret the law and apply it to the facts of the case before them.
The judge’s decision making power usually depends on the type of court in which they serve. Judges can be chosen to serve in a number of different types of courts, including civil courts, criminal courts, family courts and administrative courts.
Skills needed to become a judge:
- Extensive knowledge of law,
- Ability to make sound judgments,
- Excellent communication skills
To be a judge, you need experience in the legal field and be able to demonstrate an understanding of legal principles. You also need to have good interpersonal skills and be able to work well with others in order to maintain impartiality when presiding over cases.
Related:
Qualities of a good judge
Judges are usually elected by voters, appointed by the president, or selected by a state’s governor or legislature.
Some US states use partisan elections to choose judges, where candidates are nominated by political parties. These candidates are selected through partisan primaries.
In other states, judges run in nonpartisan elections. The judicial candidates do not reveal any party affiliation in the campaign. Parties might endorse candidates, but the candidate does not run with an association with a party.
Governor, county or state legislature-appointed judges are usually selected from those who have previously been elected as judges in their state or district. Depending on the state, they may serve for a term that is set out in their state constitution and then must be re-elected by voters if they wish to continue serving on the bench.
Presidential appointments are usually made when a judge retires or dies. The president also has the power to appoint judges to fill vacant positions. However, these appointments are not permanent and can be terminated at any time.
Additional information:
Judicial election methods by state – Ballotpedia
