Chicago, Illinois – The upcoming 2024 Illinois primary election features a ballot filled with judicial candidates. While these races may not capture the same attention as the top positions, experts emphasize the importance of researching and considering every candidate. Judicial seats hold significant power and impact the lives of citizens in various legal matters.
According to Alejandra Cancino, a senior reporter for Injustice Watch, judicial elections often go unnoticed and their inner workings remain elusive until one becomes involved in the system. Cancino highlights the extensive responsibilities of judges, who preside over traffic court, criminal courts, personal injury lawsuits, contested wills, evictions, discrimination cases, and determine the constitutionality of laws in Illinois.
The Illinois Supreme Court is one of the key positions in this election cycle. The state’s highest court is composed of three justices elected from Cook County. Among the candidates vying for a seat are incumbent Justice Joy Cunningham, who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2022, and Justice Jesse Reyes, who previously ran for the state Supreme Court in 2020. Both candidates are seasoned John Marshall law graduates with extensive experience in the Illinois Appellate Court.
Race and ethnicity emerge as relevant factors in this election. Reyes, a Latino candidate, emphasizes the need for Latino representation on Illinois’ highest court, while Cunningham, a Black woman, enjoys the endorsement of the Cook County Democratic Party. The discussion surrounding racial and ethnic representation resonates with both the Latino and Black communities, both of which have historically fought for political representation.
While the Supreme Court’s decisions on prominent issues like abortion rights and gun rights attract media attention, its influence stretches beyond merely ruling on cases. The Supreme Court also plays a crucial role in overseeing the entire judiciary system in Illinois, setting court rules, and appointing judges to fill vacancies. Its impact on shaping the state’s judiciary from top to bottom cannot be overstated.
To assist voters in making informed decisions, the Illinois State Bar Association conducts interviews and evaluations of judicial candidates in every election cycle. Their nonpartisan recommendations aim to provide voters with insights into a candidate’s fairness, punctuality, diligence, legal expertise, and ability to handle courtroom proceedings. Notably, both Reyes and Cunningham received a highly qualified rating from the association.
Experts emphasize that voting for judges should not be overlooked, as they have the power to influence the outcomes of cases and shape the criminal justice system on a local level. The 2024 primary election offers voters a chance to fill positions in the Illinois Supreme Court, the Illinois Appellate Court, countywide circuit court seats, and subcircuit court seats. Out of the 69 candidates, the Illinois State Bar Association ranked 13 as highly qualified, 42 as qualified, nine as not qualified, and five as not recommended due to non-participation in the evaluation process.
In conclusion, Illinois voters hold significant decision-making power in electing judges who play a crucial role in the legal system. The impact of these judicial seats extends far beyond individual cases and encompasses the administration and functioning of the entire judiciary. Therefore, thoroughly researching and considering candidates is vital to ensuring fair and competent judges who will effectively serve and represent the diverse communities of Illinois.