Illinois Voters Face Crucial Decisions in Upcoming Judicial Elections
As the spotlight shines on the presidential race and key state and federal positions in the upcoming Illinois election, voters are reminded that their ballots will also include a significant number of judicial candidates. With dozens of judges vying for positions across three levels of the judiciary—Supreme Court, appellate courts, and circuit courts—making informed choices can feel overwhelming. But fear not! There are plenty of resources available to help voters navigate the judicial landscape ahead of the November election.
Understanding the Judicial Ballot
In Illinois, voters will encounter judges at three distinct levels:
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Supreme Court: Two seats are up for grabs, but both candidates are running unopposed. Justice Joy Virginia Cunningham is seeking a full 10-year term in the 1st district, which covers Cook County, while Justice Lisa Holder White aims for a full term in the 4th district.
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Appellate Court: This level typically hears appeals from circuit court decisions. Judges here serve 10-year terms and must win elections to secure their positions. There are several competitive races, particularly in the 3rd district, where judges are filling vacancies left by recent retirements and the passing of a colleague. Meanwhile, four candidates in the 1st appellate district are running unopposed.
- Circuit Court: Often referred to as the "front line of the legal system," circuit court judges serve six-year terms. Voters will see numerous vacancies and retention votes at this level, making it essential to research candidates thoroughly.
Resources for Researching Judges
With so many judges on the ballot, how can voters make informed decisions? Fortunately, various organizations have stepped up to provide valuable insights:
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Injustice Watch: This organization offers an interactive guide detailing the 75 circuit court judges and two appellate court judges running for reelection in Cook County. The guide includes bar association rankings, potential controversies, and a handy printable sheet for voters to take into the booth.
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Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA): For those outside Cook County, the ISBA provides recommendations based on two surveys: evaluation ratings, which involve in-depth reviews of candidates, and Judicial Advisory Polls, reflecting feedback from attorneys. Judges are graded as Not Recommended, Recommended, or Highly Recommended.
- Chicago Bar Association: Cook County residents can also consult the Chicago Bar Association’s voter’s guide, which assesses candidates as Highly Qualified, Qualified, or Not Recommended.
Retention Votes vs. Full-Term Votes
It’s important to understand the difference between retention votes and full-term votes. Judges must win contested elections to secure a full term—10 years for Supreme Court and appellate court justices, and six years for circuit court judges. Once their terms expire, judges run for retention, requiring 60% of affirmative votes to keep their seat. If they fail to meet this threshold, a temporary replacement is appointed, who will then run for a full term in the next election cycle.
Know Your District
Illinois is divided into five judicial districts, and knowing which one you belong to is crucial for understanding your ballot. The first district includes Cook County, while the others encompass various regions across the state. A revised map approved in 2022 outlines these districts, and voters can find detailed circuit maps on the Illinois Court system’s website.
Conclusion
As Illinois voters prepare for the upcoming election, it’s essential to remember that judicial races are just as important as those for higher offices. With resources like Injustice Watch, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association at your fingertips, you can confidently make informed choices about the judges who will shape the legal landscape in your community. So, take the time to research, understand your ballot, and make your voice heard this November!
