Judicial selection in Washington
| Judicial selection in Washington | |
 | |
| Washington Supreme Court | |
| Method: | Non-partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 6 years |
| Washington Court of Appeals | |
| Method: | Non-partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 6 years |
| Washington Superior Court | |
| Method: | Non-partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 4 years |
| Washington District Courts | |
| Method: | Non-partisan election of judges |
| Term: | 4 years |
Contents |
Judicial selection in Washington consists primarily of non-partisan elections. Candidates participate in the primary election, and if no candidate wins over 50% of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election.
Supreme Court
Justices of the Washington Supreme Court are elected in non-partisan elections every six years.
If there is a vacancy on the court, the governor appoints a replacement. That justice runs in the next election, then fills the remainder of the unexpired term.
The Chief Justice is elected to a four year term by the other members of the court.
In order to join the court, one must meet these qualifications:
- be licensed to practice law in the state; and
- be under 75 years of age. [1]
Court of Appeals
Judges of the Washington Court of Appeals run in non-partisan elections every six years. They are elected by residents of the district they represent. The court is separated into nine districts.
Vacancies are also filled by gubernatorial appointment.
The chief judge of the court is elected by the other judges and serves a one year term.
To sit on the court, these qualifications must be met:
- practice law in Washington for at least five years; and
- be a resident of the district for at least one year. [1]
Superior Courts
The judges of the Washington Superior Court serve four year terms and run in non-partisan elections. There are 186 Superior Court judges in the state and they are elected in the county in which the court sits. [1]
Vacancies on the Superior Courts are filled by gubernatorial appointment.
The chief judges are elected by the other judges on a court. The term varies by court, but must be at least one year.
The qualifications for office are the same as on the Washington Supreme Court. [1]
See also
- Campaign finance requirements for Washington judicial elections
- State Supreme Court elections
- Washington judicial elections
- Courts in Washington
External links
- Judicial selection in Washington
- American Judicature Society, History of Reform Efforts: Washington
- Yakima Herald, "Confused about election ballot? You're not alone," August 15, 2010
- Seattle Times "Electing Judges: For and Against", January 10, 2010
References
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