Courts Elections
The courts are on the ballot this November!
Borrow my eyes
Borrow my eyes
Not because they are better
But they have most likely seen more;
Used to view under the black robe of justice.
The bags under my eyes haven’t arrived for a lack of sleep; they are here because I am woke and aware of the naked truth.
The truth is these systems do not serve us without sentencing our bodies
I have seen what happens to people under the pound of a gavel.
The impact unravels a person’s humanity, laying bare the dollar amount of a beating heart.
Most courtwatchers do not survive the viewing.
I am not sure if I have survived the viewing.
But you can borrow my eyes and save yourself the trouble.
~ Darrion Benson
What are Judicial Elections?
All judges also play a key role in the implementation and enforcement of legislation created by the state. They typically have the ability to decide which cases to hear, set bail amounts (and decide if someone is eligible for bail), and determine sentencing length. Judges can also make decisions on whether or not to defer people to mental health and drug addiction resources instead of sending them to prison. The amount of discretion that judges possess makes them instrumental in the fight for criminal justice reform across the country.
How Judicial Retention Works
Judges seeking retention do not run against another candidate. Voters select “Yes” or “No” to decide whether the judge should remain in office. A circuit judge must receive at least 60% “Yes” votes to be retained. All Cook County voters can vote on every Cook County judicial retention candidate, including judges originally elected from subcircuits. Your address determines which judicial vacancy races appear on your ballot.
Additional Judicial Election Resources
Election day is Tuesday, November 3rd!
Index
- About this Guide
- Voting 101
- Know Your Rights
- Governor and U.S. Senate
- Chicago School Board Elections
- Courts Elections
- Reintegration & Civic Empowerment Act
- Artist Statement
Sometimes you gotta pop out & vote!
Voter information lookup
View your voter information, sample ballot, AND locate your precinct polling place for Election Day.
Chicago board of elections contact information
69 West Washington Street
Suites 600/800
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 269-7900
cboe@chicagoelections.gov
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Keep in mind, this guide is for informational purposes only, designed to help voters understand where each candidate stands on issues important to young people. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we do not endorse or oppose any candidates or political parties.