Judging your Judges

Judges are different from other elected officials; their role is to uphold the law.  This difference can make it challenging to make decisions in a judicial election.  To help you cast an informed vote, consider:

What should you expect from judicial candidates?

• Campaign conduct consistent with judicial rules and ethics
  
• Impartiality
  
• Commitment to the law rather than public opinion

What should you look for in a judge?

• Experience - demonstrated exposure to legal issues and substantial and diverse experience with the justice system
• Integrity - high moral character, honesty, industry and diligence
• Professional Competence - intellect, knowledge of the law, writing and analytical ability, judgement, and courtroom and trial experience
• Judicial Temperament - unbiased, courteous, open-minded, understanding, fair and committed to the rule of the law
• Service - demonstrated commitment to justice for all
  
  

Informing your vote

Because judges are different from other elected officials, voters want reliable sources of specialized information.  As always, voters should carefully evaluate the credibility of each information source.  You may wish to consult the following for information on judicial elections:

League of Women Voters of the United States
    www.lwv.org 
        Click on: Projects/Fair Judiciary

League of Women Voters of Montana
    www.lwvmt.org
       Provides information on voting in Montana
       Displays information on districts and candidates
       Sponsors candidate forums
       Publishes nonpartisan voter guides
       Shares information on voting qualifications

League of Women Voters Voter Information Website
    www.vote411.org
       Provides local, state and national candidate information

State or Local Bar Associations
    www.montanabar.org
       Provides general information about judicial elections
       Provides court decision information

Secretary of State
    www.sos.state.mt.us
       Registration information
       Listing of qualified candidates
       Voting information

The Institute on Money in State Politics
    www.followthemoney.org
       Campaign finance information

Newspapers, Television and Radio
    Provide profiles of candidates
    Publish relevant editorials