One of the most perplexing things on the ballot each year is elections for judges. Candidates cannot state their positions on issues that might come before the court, e.g. parental rights, abortion, gun control, and many other things. Their races are non-partisan. So how on earth are we supposed to choose between them? Good looks? Law schools? Pictures of their families?
In years past, I’ve asked a friend whose brother is a lawyer for advice. But that’s just his opinion based on whatever contacts and experience he has. If he doesn’t know anything, he won’t suggest anything. So sometimes I’m still left wondering what to do. This year, I’ve been clicking around to see what resources are available, and I’ve found one that might help: Ballotopedia
Ballotopedia is not my favorite website. It’s cluttered with ads and there are two main, and confusing, side menus. But stick with it and you’ll find that there is a lot of useful information. If you’re wondering if it’s worth your time, let me remind you that five of our state’s nine Supreme Court Justice positions are up for election this year. If ever there was a year to weigh in on the court, this is it. Four positions will be on the primary ballot which you should already have. One goes straight to the general election because only two people are in that race.
Here’s an example of a race where spending time on Ballotopedia can help you sort out the candidates. Four candidates will be on the ballot for Position 5 on the Supreme Court. All four have been to law school, but that’s about all they have in common. Click on each name and scroll under their picture to find a link to their campaign website. One, Theo Angelis, was appointed this year by our governor when a justice resigned. Check his endorsements for this “non-partisan” position. You won’t find a lot of endorsements except for Angelis, but don’t let that stop you. One stands out to me, namely Dave Larson. Stick with his website for a bit and you’ll see that he’s able to take a principled, well-reasoned stand that might make him unpopular in certain deep blue circles. That appeals to me, especially this year.
Twenty years ago, the endorsements that pile up for certain candidates might have persuaded me to support them. But this year, after watching the changes in organizations such as the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, teacher’s unions and other labor organizations, those endorsements are as likely as not to send me to a different candidate. With five seats up for election on a nine member state Supreme Court, this would be the year to spend some time studying the candidates for each position. Ballotopedia is a good place the start.
Note: Because the Ballotopedia website is so quirky, I’m not guaranteeing this link, but please persist if it doesn’t go directly to the site. And do click around for other information while you’re there.
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