1. Why do we elect judges in Washington?

The Washington State Constitution specifies that judges are to be elected.

2. Why are judicial elections important?

Judges make decisions about fundamental issues that affect all of us-criminal law and procedure, family life, education, health care, housing, employment, discrimination, civil rights, public safety-and those decisions can have longlasting impact. Judges must know the law, be independent, and be free from external political and economic influences. Voting for qualified judges protects us all.

3. Why is the primary election especially important for choosing judges?

For many judicial positions, the "primary" determines the outcome. If a judicial candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in a contested primary election, that candidate will appear on the November ballot without opposition. Many races will be finally determined in the August 19 primary election, and voters who do not vote for judges in the primary election will have no voice in selecting those judges.

4. What criteria should voters consider in electing judges?

Judges should:
- Uphold the rule of law
- Be independent
- Be impartial
- Possess the appropriate temperament and character
- Possess the appropriate capabilities and credentials
- Contribute to confidence in the judiciary by the public

It is essential to the preservation of the rights of every individual, his life, liberty, property, and character, that there be an impartial interpretation of the laws, and administration of justice. It is the right of every citizen to be tried by judges as free, impartial and independent as the lot of humanity will admit. John Adams, 1780 (from ABA's statement of principles applicable to judges)

5. Where can I find more information about the courts and the election?

- Candidate's websites
- State of Washington Voters Pamphlet
- www.washingtonvoter.org, Citizen's Guide to the Courts and How to Pick a Candidate
- www.votingforjudges.org, a non-partisan resource for Washington voters
- www.pdc.wa.govwww.pdc.wa.gov, campaign contribution information

Produced by The League of Women Voters of Washington and The King County Bar Association.