Unlike candidates for most elected offices, Utah judges do not run against an opposing candidate during retention elections. Instead, voters are asked whether each judge should remain in office. For voters who have never appeared in a courtroom or had direct contact with a judge, deciding how to vote can be challenging.

The Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) provides information to help voters learn more about the judges listed on their ballots. The commission’s evaluations are available online at judges.utah.gov.

JPEC evaluates judges using information gathered from people who work with them professionally, including attorneys, court staff, interpreters, social workers and others who interact with judges as part of their jobs. The commission also conducts at least four courtroom observations for each judge.

The evaluations examine several aspects of judicial performance, including legal ability, fairness and impartiality, administrative skills and judicial temperament.

According to the information provided by JPEC, the evaluations focus on how judges perform their professional responsibilities rather than whether voters agree or disagree with particular court rulings.

The process is intended to give voters a source of information beyond personal experience or public perceptions. Because most residents have limited opportunities to observe judges in court, the evaluations can provide insight into the work judges do and the standards they are expected to meet.

Judicial retention elections are an important part of Utah’s election process, giving voters the opportunity to decide whether judges should continue serving in their positions. Reviewing available information before voting can help residents better understand the individuals whose names appear on the ballot.

JPEC describes its website as a source of independent, politically neutral information intended to help voters make informed decisions about judicial retention.

Voters can visit judges.utah.gov to review evaluations and learn about the judges on their ballots before making their selections.

With judicial retention decisions included alongside other races, taking a few minutes to research the candidates can help ensure that every part of the ballot receives consideration.