Unsure about voting for judges in Arizona? Here’s some info that can help

Prop 137 would take away Arizona voters’ ability to weigh in on judges’ performance, essentially giving judges lifetime appointments.

Arizona is a unique state when it comes to how we put judges in power. 

Judges on the highest courts—the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals—are chosen by the governor. 

However, the public gets a chance to decide if a judge deserves to keep their job every six years in what’s called a retention election.

The process works the same way for superior court judges in Coconino, Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties, although their retention elections come every four years. 

Something to be aware of: Prop 137 on the ballot would change this process in our state. The measure would take away voters’ ability to weigh in on judges’ performance, essentially giving judges lifetime appointments. Learn more about this measure here. 

When many voters come across the list of judges on their ballot, they freeze up and think: “Who even are these people?” 

Luckily, there are guides out there that can help you decide whether you want to vote to keep a judge in place or vote them out. 

Here are some places that you can look to: 

Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review

The Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review is tasked with evaluating judges by surveying the people that work them, like lawyers and witnesses. Every judge on the ballot this year has met the commission’s standards, but you can still check out the full report on each person. 

Civic Engagement Beyond Voting

Civic Engagement Beyond Voting (CEBV), a progressive nonpartisan group, publishes a Gavel Watch report that includes information on judges’ performance reviews, as well as information about controversial rulings that may impact your decision.

The group recommends voting no on these five judges:

• Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick
• Arizona Supreme Court Justice Kathryn Hackett King
• Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Angela Paton
• Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Coury
• Pima County Superior Courier Judge Kellie Johnson

Twelve judges in the report are rated as “yes, but with reservations.” CEBV also recommends voting no on Prop 137. 

Progress Arizona

Another progressive group, Progress Arizona, has been leading a campaign to vote out Arizona Supreme Court Justices Bolick and King due to their vote in April to reinstate the state’s 1864 abortion ban. 

The law that was on the books before Arizona became a state banned abortion with no exceptions and included a prison sentence of two to five years for anyone who helped someone obtain an abortion. 

Prop 137 would be retroactive, so if voters vote Bolick and King out but Prop 137 passes, the justices would remain in their positions. Progress Arizona also recommends voting no on this measure. 

Are you ready to vote? See who’s on your ballot and make a voting plan here.