UPDATE: Races not determined in the primary will be on the ballot in the general election on November 4th.
Eight circuit court judgeships are up for grabs in Central Florida’s District 9 this primary election. All voters have a say in these nonpartisan races on Tuesday, August 26, but only a few choose to shape this third branch of government.
Barring write-in campaigns, judicial candidates who win a majority in the primary – win a seat. With low turnout and little public knowledge of judicial races, that means a few informed voters can have a strong voice.
Attorney Kimberly Doud chairs the Ninth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission. Her group helps with Supreme and Appellate Court appointments. County and circuit judges are elected, and Doud says, people should vote in those races. "Judges have a direct and personal connection with our community. Chances are someone you know or yourself may be involved in a court case, and it’s important to have the best and brightest minds sitting on the bench."
Doud points out that judges oversee divorces and financial disputes. They also decide matters like same-sex marriage and redistricting.
HEAR MORE
To hear Attorney Kimberly Doud's longer conversation with 90.7's Amy Kiley, play the audio above.
LINKS
To see judicial and other candidates for 2014 races, visit the Florida Division of Elections website.
Read Judicial Candidate Voluntary Self-Disclosure Statements from at The Florida Bar website. The Bar also offers a general guide to judicial elections.
Another source of information on voting for judges and other candidates is on the League of Women Voters website.
90.7's primary election overview is here. Links on that page can help voters ensure registration, find polling places and view sample ballots.