Letter to the Editor
Make a difference in judge racesDaily Southtown
Published October 22, 2004The elections are fast approaching. In Illinois, we have a number of important votes to cast: for president, senator and many state offices. Most of us are well-aware of our choices in these elections.
But in Cook County, voters also must consider 74 sitting judges who are seeking voters' approval to remain in office. (They must obtain a 60 percent "yes" vote.) There are also a few contested races where candidates are running to become Cook County judges for the first time. (They must obtain a majority of the votes cast.)
The sheer length of the retention ballot is daunting. But you can find helpful, nonpartisan information about these judges and judicial candidates on www.VoteforJudges.org, a Web site that includes judicial evaluations and sample ballots from a variety of lawyers' groups. The Web site also offers a wealth of information about judicial elections in general.
Most of the 74 judges running for retention this November do a good job, have been evaluated as qualified, and deserve a second term. But this is not true in every case. Take the time to look at the judges running for retention and consider the ratings issued by bar groups.
Judges affect each of us every day, in direct and indirect ways. We expect our judges to be fair and impartial, to defend everyone's rights equally and to uphold the law. It is up to us to vote for qualified judges who have the experience and temperament to do just that.
Visit www.VoteforJudges.org, and on Nov. 2, when you vote for president, senate and state offices, please don't forget to vote for qualified judges. Your vote makes a difference.
Diana White
Chicago Appleseed Fund For Justice
