What are the pros and cons of electing, rather than appointing judges?
The single most important argument in favor of electing judges is that such a system makes judges answerable to the electorate. However, due to the lack of available information, and perhaps a lack of interest in judicial races, it is often difficult for voters to become informed about candidates resulting in under-qualified and/or inexperienced judges being elected. What are the pros and cons of judicial elections being partisan? Communities have an absolute right to elect judges with whom they are like-minded. The primary method of doing so is the requirement in Texas that judges declare their political affiliation. However, when partisan politics are removed from the equation, judicial races become, as they should, about merit. Instead of voting for a judge based on a political party, the electorate must consider the experience, qualifications and temperament of each judge. According to the guilty plea of Travis Ketner in the public corruption case, there has been a rigging of court
