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History

In 1974, Johnson Countians voted overwhelmingly (40,930 to 14,518) to institute the merit selection system for judges. The system was challenged 10 years later and voters chose (64,418 to 39,721) to retain the merit system rather than switch to the election of judges. Again in 2008, voters chose to continue the merit selection system that has been in place in Johnson County for over 30 years.  The final vote was 157,624 to 109,723 in favor of the merit-based selection over partisan elections of judges.

Judicial Merit Selection and Retention System

Merit selection is a way of choosing judges that uses a nonpartisan Commission to investigate and evaluate applicants for judgeships. The retention system requires every district court and magistrate judge to stand election to be retained or not every four years. A simple majority vote retains or removes a judge.

To help voters make a more informed decision, the Johnson County Bar Association polls its membership regarding each judge on the ballot and makes the results available on its website prior to the election.

For more information on merit selection visit:

• American Judicature Society -- Promoting the Effective Administration of Justice
• National Center for State Courts -- Helping Courts Anticipate and Better Serve the Public
• Kansas Statutes Governing Nonpartisan Selection of Judge of the District Court KSA 20-2901 et seq.