The Importance of Judicial Elections

FEATURING ERICKA WILEY - Among some down-ballot races on November 5, 2024 will be judicial elections –but only a handful of states and localities. Local judges are elected in partisan or nonpartisan races, or, more often than not, simply appointed by state legislatures or by governors. 

Given the critical role that judges play in the criminal justice system which entraps poor people and people of color disproportionately, activists are calling for a need to democratize judicial selection.