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How vacancies are filled in state supreme courts

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Methods of judicial selection
Judicialselectionlogo.png
Election methods
Partisan election
Nonpartisan election
Michigan method
Retention election
Assisted appointment
Assisted appointment
Bar-controlled commission
Governor-controlled commission
Hybrid commission
Direct appointment
Court appointment
Gubernatorial appointment
Legislative election
Municipal government selection

The process for filling vacancies on state supreme courts varies among states. In most states, the governor appoints a replacement justice, either outright or with assistance from a nominating commission. This is different from the process in state legislatures, where half of states use elections to fill vacancies.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Seventeen states fill vacancies on the state supreme court through direct gubernatorial appointment.
  • Twenty-nine states fill vacancies through a gubernatorial appointment with assistance from a nominating commission.
  • Two states (South Carolina and Virginia) fill vacancies through legislative appointments.
  • In Illinois, the state supreme court nominates a replacement justice.
  • In Louisiana, voters elect a replacement in a special election.

    • The most common reasons for a vacancy on a state supreme court include reaching the mandatory retirement age, retiring before the end of a term, death, or appointment to another office.

    To learn more about how vacancies are filled in other state and federal offices, click the following links: U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governors, state legislatures, and state intermediate appellate courts.

    How are vacancies filled on state supreme courts?

    See also: Length of terms of state supreme court justices

    The map below highlights how vacancies are filled in state supreme courts across the country.


    Policies by state

    Alabama

    See also: Judicial selection in Alabama

    Should a vacancy occur between regularly scheduled elections, which take place in November of even-numbered years, an interim justice is appointed by the governor. Any justice appointed in this fashion must then stand for election in the next general election occurring at least one year after taking office.[1]

    Alaska

    See also: Judicial selection in Alaska

    The process of filling interim judicial vacancies is identical to that of filling ones that would occur at the end of a justice's term. The governor appoints a justice from a pool of names provided by the nominating commission. After occupying the seat for at least three years, the appointee runs in an uncontested yes-no retention election and, if retained, will serve a subsequent term of ten years.[2][3]

    Arizona

    See also: Judicial selection in Arizona

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a justice's term. Potential justices submit applications to the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, and once the commission has chosen a slate of nominees, the governor picks one from that list. After occupying the seat for two years, the newly appointed justice stands for retention in the next general election. The justice then serves a full six-year term if he or she is retained by voters.[4]

    Arkansas

    See also: Judicial selection in Arkansas

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, an interim judge is selected by the governor to fill the empty seat. If the open seat would have been filled at the next general election if the vacancy did not occur, the appointed justice will serve the remainder of the unexpired term. If the open seat would not have been regularly filled at the next general election, the appointee will serve until the next general election if the vacancy occurred more than four months prior to the election. If the vacancy occurs less than four months prior to the next general election, then the justice will serve until the second succeeding general election. A justice appointed by the governor to serve an unexpired term is ineligible to run for re-election to their seat.[5]

    California

    See also: Judicial selection in California

    Vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment. Appointed judges are required to participate in yes-no retention elections occurring at the time of the next gubernatorial race, which is held every four years.[6]

    Colorado

    See also: Judicial selection in Colorado

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a justice's term. A judicial nominating commission recommends to the governor three qualified candidates for an appellate court vacancy (two or three for a trial court vacancy), and the governor selects a successor from that list. After occupying the seat for two years, the newly appointed justice stands for retention in the next general election. The justice then serves a full 10-year term if he or she is retained by voters.[7]

    Connecticut

    See also: Judicial selection in Connecticut

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a judge's term. A judicial nominating commission recommends qualified candidates to the governor and the governor selects a successor from that list with legislative approval. The new appointee serves an eight-year term.[8]

    Delaware

    See also: Judicial selection in Delaware

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a judge's term. A judicial nominating commission recommends qualified candidates to the governor, and the governor selects a successor from that list with Senate approval. The new appointee serves a 12-year term.[7][9]

    District of Columbia

    See also: Judicial selection in Washington, D.C.

    When a vacancy occurs, the President of the United States appoints a successor from a list of names provided by a nominating commission. The appointment requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

    Florida

    See also: Judicial selection in Florida

    If a midterm vacancy occurs, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a judge's term. A judicial nominating commission recommends three to six qualified candidates to the governor, and the governor selects a successor from that list. The new appointee serves for at least one year before running in a yes-no retention election.[10]

    Georgia

    See also: Judicial selection in Georgia

    If a vacancy appears on the court, the position is filled by assisted appointment. The governor chooses an appointee from a list of qualified candidates compiled by the judicial nominating commission. As of March 2023, the judicial nominating commission consisted of 35 members, each appointed by the governor. For each court vacancy, the commission recommends candidates, but the governor is not bound to the commission's choices and may choose to appoint a judge not found on the list.[11] If appointed, an interim judge must run in the next general election held at least six months after the appointment, and, if confirmed by voters, he or she may finish the rest of the predecessor's term.[12][13][14]

    Hawaii

    See also: Judicial selection in Hawaii

    If a midterm vacancy occurs, the position is filled just as it would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a justice's term. The governor appoints a successor from a list provided by a nominating commission, and the appointee faces confirmation from the state Senate. Newly appointed justices serve full 10-year terms.[15]

    Idaho

    See also: Judicial selection in Idaho

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, an interim judge is appointed by the governor from a list of two to four names provided by a nominating commission. This judge will serve out the remainder of the unexpired term, after which he or she must run in a nonpartisan election to remain on the court.[16]

    Illinois

    See also: Judicial selection in Illinois

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the Illinois Supreme Court is responsible for appointing an interim justice. If a justice is appointed more than 60 days before the next primary election, the justice must run in a partisan election in the next general or judicial election to remain on the court. The appointed justice's term will end on the first Monday in December after their election. If a justice is appointed less than 60 days before the next primary election, the justice will have to run in a partisan election to remain on the court in the second general election. The appointed justice's term will end on the first Monday in December after their election[17]

    Indiana

    See also: Judicial selection in Indiana

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the position is filled as it normally would be had the vacancy occurred at the end of a justice's term. The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission provides the names of three nominees to the governor, who must then select a justice from that list.[18][19] The new appointee serves at least two years following his or her initial appointment and must stand for retention at the first statewide general election to remain in office.[20]

    Iowa

    See also: Judicial selection in Iowa

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a judge's term. A judicial nominating commission recommends qualified candidates to the governor and the governor selects a successor from that list. The new appointee serves for at least one year and then stands for retention.[21]

    Kansas

    See also: Judicial selection in Kansas

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a judge's term. A judicial nominating commission recommends qualified candidates to the governor and the governor selects a successor from that list. The new appointee serves for at least one year and then stands for retention.[22]

    Kentucky

    See also: Judicial selection in Kentucky

    If a midterm vacancy occurs, the governor appoints a successor from a list of three names provided by the Kentucky Judicial Nominating Commission. If the term the appointee will fill expires at the next election, the appointment is for the remainder of the term. If the term does not expire at the next election and that election is more than three months away, the appointee must stand for election, and the election is for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the term does not expire at the next election, but the election is less than three months away, the appointee must stand for election in the election following the next. The election is for the remainder of the unexpired term, if any; if none of the term is left, the election is for a full term.[23]

    Louisiana

    See also: Judicial selection in Louisiana

    Per Article V of the Louisiana Constitution, midterm vacancies are to be temporarily filled by the remaining members of the supreme court. Within one year of the opening, a special election (called by the governor, preferably on the date of a preexisting gubernatorial or congressional election) is to be held. If the supreme court has appointed a successor, that appointee may not run for the seat in the special election.[24][25] The justice elected at the special election will serve the remainder of the unexpired term.[26][27]

    Maine

    See also: Judicial selection in Maine

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a justice's term. The governor appoints a justice with confirmation by the Maine State Senate. The new appointee serves a seven-year term.[28]

    Maryland

    See also: Judicial selection in Maryland

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the seat is filled as it normally would be if the vacancy occurred at the end of a judge's term. A judicial nominating commission recommends qualified candidates to the governor and the governor selects a successor from that list. The new appointee serves for at least one year and then stands for retention at the next general election.[29]

    Massachusetts

    See also: Judicial selection in Massachusetts

    Vacancies on the supreme court are filled by the governor with the approval of the Governor's Council. Judges serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.[30]

    Michigan

    See also: Judicial selection in Michigan

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a temporary replacement to serve until the next general election. At the governor's request, the state bar's standing committee on judicial qualifications interviews, evaluates, and rates all candidates, submitting a confidential report to the governor. However, the governor is not required to request candidates from the committee, nor is the governor bound by the committee's evaluations.[31]

    Minnesota

    See also: Judicial selection in Minnesota

    Interim vacancies on the supreme court are filled via gubernatorial appointment. After serving for at least one year, the appointed judge can run for a full term in the next general election.[32] Other candidates may file to run against them in the election.[33]

    Mississippi

    See also: Judicial selection in Mississippi

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, a temporary judge is named by the governor. Appointees serve out the remainder of their predecessor's unexpired term if four or fewer years of the term remain. If there are more than four years remaining, the appointee will run in the next general election, taking place nine months or more after the vacancy occurs. The winner of the election will serve the remainder of the term.[34]

    Missouri

    See also: Judicial selection in Missouri

    When a vacancy occurs, a list of potential candidates is compiled by the Missouri Appellate Judicial Commission and narrowed to three choices. From those three candidates, the governor appoints a new judge. After the newly appointed judge serves for at least one year, they must stand for retention in the next general election. If retained, they serve twelve-year terms.[35]

    Montana

    See also: Judicial selection in Montana

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor is responsible for appointing a new justice to the court. Once confirmed by the Montana state Senate, the justice will hold office until the next regular election. At that time, the appointed justice will be able to run for re-election or retention to complete the remainder of the unexpired term.[36]

    Nebraska

    See also: Judicial selection in Nebraska

    When a vacancy occurs on the Nebraska Supreme Court, a judicial nominating commission submits the names of at least two qualified nominees to the governor, who appoints one to fill the vacancy. If the governor does not appoint one of the nominees within 60 days, the chief justice of the supreme court is authorized to select a new judge.[37]

    Nevada

    See also: Judicial selection in Nevada

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection solicits and screens applicants. The commission presents a list of three nominees to the governor, who appoints one to fill the vacancy until the next general election. If the predecessor's term is not expiring that election cycle, the appointed justice must win the election to the court to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.[38]

    New Hampshire

    See also: Judicial selection in New Hampshire

    Vacancies on the court are filled through gubernatorial appointment. A judicial selection commission recommends candidates to the governor, the governor selects a candidate, and the candidate must be confirmed by the Executive Council.[39]

    New Jersey

    See also: Judicial selection in New Jersey

    Vacancies on the court are filled through gubernatorial appointment. The governor's nominee must be confirmed by the state Senate.[40]

    New Mexico

    See also: Judicial selection in New Mexico

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a justice from a list of qualified candidates recommended by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed judge will serve until the first general election held one year after their appointment. The appointee must run in that general election to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.[41]

    New York

    See also: Judicial selection in New York

    Midterm vacancies are filled by assisted appointment. The governor appoints a new judge from a list of qualified nominees submitted by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by the New York State Senate. The newly appointed judge serves a full 14-year term.[42][43]

    North Carolina

    See also: Judicial selection in North Carolina

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a successor to serve until the next general election which is held more than 60 days after the vacancy occurs. The governor must select an appointee from a list of three recommendations provided by the executive committee of the political party with which the vacating justice was affiliated.[44] An election is then held for a full eight-year term.[45][46]

    North Dakota

    See also: Judicial selection in North Dakota

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement with help from a judicial nominating commission. Alternatively, the governor may call a special election to fill the vacancy. Appointed judges are to serve for at least two years, after which they must run in the general election to finish the remainder of the unexpired term.[47] If a justice retires or dies in office, the governor may appoint a justice to the court for two years, when the appointed justice must then run in a nonpartisan election.[48]

    Ohio

    See also: Judicial selection in Ohio

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement. The appointee serves until the next general election taking place 40 or more days after the vacancy occurred. If re-elected, the judge serves the remainder of his or her predecessor's unexpired term.[49]

    Oklahoma

    See also: Judicial selection in Oklahoma

    If a justice retires before the end of his or her term, the vacancy is filled just as it normally would be, with the governor appointing a successor from a list of names provided by the nominating commission. If the appointment is not made within 60 days of the vacancy, the chief justice is responsible for selecting a replacement.[50] The appointed justice then must stand for retention in the next general election after he or she has served one year on the bench to serve out the remainder of his or her predecessor's term.[51][52]

    Oregon

    See also: Judicial selection in Oregon

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the governor appoints a replacement. The appointee serves until the next general election occurring 61 or more days after the vacancy, at which point he or she may run for election.[53]

    Pennsylvania

    See also: Judicial selection in Pennsylvania

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a successor who must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Pennsylvania Senate. Interim justices stand for election at the next municipal election occurring more than 10 months after the vacancy occurred.[54]

    By tradition, appointed interim judges of the supreme court, superior court, or court of appeals do not go on to run for permanent seats. In other words, the governor appoints these judges with the expectation that the judge will only fill the interim vacancy.[54]

    Rhode Island

    See also: Judicial selection in Rhode Island

    Because Rhode Island judges serve for life or until they retire, the concept of a midterm vacancy has little relevance to the state's selection process. When a judge retires or passes away in office, the governor picks a nominee from a list from the judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote in both chambers of the state legislature.[28]

    South Carolina

    See also: Judicial selection in South Carolina

    If a judge leaves office before the end of his or her term, the vacancy is usually filled by legislative election. The appointee serves until the end of his or her predecessor's unexpired term, at which point he must be re-elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to remain on the court. If less than a year remains in an unexpired term, the governor has the option to appoint someone to the unexpired term instead.[55]

    South Dakota

    See also: Judicial selection in South Dakota

    If a judge retires before the end of his or her term, a judicial nominating commission recommends candidates to the governor, and the governor selects a successor from that list. The new appointee serves for at least three years before running in a yes-no retention election.[28]

    Tennessee

    See also: Judicial selection in Tennessee

    If a midterm vacancy occurs on the court, the governor appoints a replacement justice from a list from a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by both chambers of the state legislature. If filling an interim vacancy, the appointee stands for retention in the next general election at least 30 days after the vacancy occurred. The retained judge serves out the remainder of the unexpired term before again running for retention to serve a full eight-year term.[56][57] Judges are voted upon by the voters of the whole state.[58]

    Texas

    See also: Judicial selection in Texas

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement who must be confirmed by the Texas Senate. The appointee serves until the next general election, in which he or she may compete to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.[59]

    Utah

    See also: Judicial selection in Utah

    When a vacancy occurs on the court, the governor appoints a replacement from a list of seven names recommended by a nominating commission. The nominee then must attain approval from the Utah Senate. New appointees serve for at least three years, after which they must run in a yes-no retention election. If retained, supreme court justices serve subsequent terms of ten years.[60]

    Vermont

    See also: Judicial selection in Vermont

    When the state Senate is in session, midterm vacancies are filled by the same assisted appointment method otherwise used to select judges. If the Senate is not in session, the governor may choose to make an interim appointment until the Senate convenes and acts upon the appointment. The appointed justice will serve until the Senate consents to the appointment. If the appointment is confirmed, the appointee will serve a six-year term. If the appointment is not confirmed by the Senate, the judicial office will be vacated.[61]

    Virginia

    See also: Judicial selection in Virginia

    When the General Assembly is in session, midterm vacancies are filled by the same legislative selection process normally used to select judges. When the assembly is not in session, the governor appoints a replacement to serve until 30 days after the start of the next session, by which point a judge must be elected to the seat.[62][63]

    Washington

    See also: Judicial selection in Washington

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement. The appointee serves until the next general election, at which point he or she may run to serve for the remainder of the predecessor's term.[64] If the resignation and subsequent appointment takes place after the filing period opens for that year's elections, the appointee must stand in the next year's election to remain on the bench.[65]

    West Virginia

    See also: Judicial selection in West Virginia

    In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement from a list of two to five qualified applicants submitted by a nominating commission.[66] The appointee serves until the next general election, at which point he or she may compete to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.[28]

    Wisconsin

    See also: Judicial selection in Wisconsin

    In the event of a vacancy on the court, the governor has the power and duty to appoint an individual to the vacancy. The governor screens judicial applicants using an advisory council on judicial selection. The council recommends three to five candidates to the governor, although the governor is not bound by their recommendations. The appointed justice must then stand for election in the first subsequent year in which no other justice's term expires.[67][68]

    Wyoming

    See also: Judicial selection in Wyoming

    When a vacancy occurs, the governor appoints a replacement from a list of three names provided by a nominating commission. After the appointed justice has served at least one year, they must stand for retention in the next general election. If retained, a judge will finish the remainder of his or her predecessor's unexpired term. Subsequent terms last eight years.[69]

    Judicial selection methods

    Each state has a unique set of guidelines governing how they select judges at the state and local level. These methods of selection are:

    Election

    • Partisan election: Judges are elected by the people, and candidates are listed on the ballot alongside a label designating political party affiliation.
    • Nonpartisan election: Judges are elected by the people, and candidates are listed on the ballot without a label designating party affiliation.
    • Michigan method: State supreme court justices are selected through nonpartisan elections preceded by either partisan primaries or conventions.
    • Retention election: A periodic process whereby voters are asked whether an incumbent judge should remain in office for another term. Judges are not selected for initial terms in office using this election method.

    Assisted appointment

    • Assisted appointment, also known as merit selection or the Missouri Plan: A nominating commission reviews the qualifications of judicial candidates and submits a list of names to the governor, who appoints a judge from the list.[70] At the state supreme court level, this method is further divided into the following three types:
      • Bar-controlled commission: Members of the state Bar Association are responsible for electing a majority of the judicial nominating commission that sends the governor a list of nominees that they must choose from.
      • Governor-controlled commission: The governor is responsible for appointing a majority of the judicial nominating commission that sends the governor a list of nominees they must choose from.
      • Hybrid commission: The judicial nominating commission has no majority of members chosen by either the governor or the state bar association. These commissions determine membership in a variety of ways, but no institution or organization has a clear majority control.

    Direct appointment

    Click a state on the map below to explore judicial selection processes in that state.
    http://ballotpedia.org/Judicial_selection_in_STATE


    See also

    State courts Appointment methods Election methods
    State-Supreme-Courts-Ballotpedia.png
    Judicialselectionlogo.png
    Ballotpedia Elections Badge-VOTE.png
    State supreme courts
    Intermediate appellate courts
    Trial courts
    Assisted appointment
    Court appointment
    Gubernatorial appointment
    Legislative election
    Municipal government selection
    Partisan election
    Nonpartisan election
    Michigan method


    External links

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Alabama Judicial System, "Qualification of Judges," accessed March 23, 2023
    2. ↑ Alaska Judicial Council, "Constitutional and Statutory Provisions Concerning Judicial Retention/Evaluation: AS 15.35.030. Approval or rejection of supreme court justice," accessed March 23, 2023
    3. ↑ Alaska Judicial Council, "Selection Law - Constitutional and Statutory Provisions Concerning Judicial Selection: Alaska Constitution Article IV, Section 5. Nomination and Appointment," accessed March 23, 2023
    4. ↑ Brennan Center for Justice, "Judicial Selection: An Interactive Map," accessed March 23, 2023
    5. ↑ Arkansas Judiciary, "Arkansas Supreme Court," accessed April 15, 2025
    6. ↑ California Courts, "Judicial Selection: How California Chooses Its Judges and Justices," accessed March 27, 2023
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Colorado Judicial Branch, "Judicial Nominating Commissions," accessed March 28, 2023 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "commission" defined multiple times with different content
    8. ↑ Brennan Center for Justice, "Judicial Selection: An Interactive Map," accessed March 23, 2023
    9. ↑ Brennan Center for Justice, "Judicial Selection: An Interactive Map," accessed March 23, 2023
    10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named flajs
    11. ↑ American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Georgia; Judicial Nominating Commissions," archived October 2, 2014
    12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GAgen
    13. ↑ Governor Brian Kemp, "Executive Order," accessed March 29, 2023
    14. ↑ Governor Brian Kemp, "Gov. Kemp Names 35 to Judicial Nominating Commission," October 27, 2021
    15. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named HIgen
    16. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection," accessed September 14, 2021
    17. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ILselect
    18. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Method of Judicial Selection: Indiana," accessed Aug. 23, 2021
    19. ↑ State of Indiana, "Judicial Nominating Commission Fact Sheet," accessed Aug. 23, 2021
    20. ↑ State of Indiana, "About the Court," accessed Aug. 23, 2021
    21. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named jnc
    22. ↑ Kansas Judicial Branch, "Kansas Supreme Court," accessed June 21, 2021
    23. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named KYselect
    24. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named LAselection
    25. ↑ Louisiana Supreme Court, "Henry Julien v. The Honorable W. Fox McKeithan," accessed May 6, 2014
    26. ↑ Louisiana Revised Statutes "RS 13:101.1," accessed July 13, 2016
    27. ↑ Leagle, "Marcelle v. DeCuir," September 21, 1995
    28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named general
    29. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Maryland," accessed August 16, 2021
    30. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MAselect
    31. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MIselect
    32. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MNselect
    33. ↑ The Office of the Revisor of Statutes, "Constitution of the State of Minnesota," accessed August 8, 2016
    34. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection," accessed September 7, 2021
    35. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MOselect
    36. ↑ Montana State Legislature, "The Constitution of the state of Montana," accessed August 11, 2021 (Article VII, part VII, section 8)
    37. ↑ State of Nebraska Judicial Branch, "Branch Overview," accessed August 16, 2021
    38. ↑ Administrative Office of the Courts, "FACTS and FAQs," accessed August 20, 2021
    39. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: New Hampshire | Selection of Judges," accessed August 24, 2021
    40. ↑ New Jersey Legislature, "New Jersey State Constitution 1947," accessed August 27, 2021 (Article V Section I)
    41. ↑ New Mexico Secretary of State, "Constitution," accessed March 29, 2024 (Article VI Section 35)
    42. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: New York," accessed September 12, 2021
    43. ↑ New York State, "The Constitution of the State of New York," accessed September 12, 2021 (Article VI)
    44. ↑ Ballotpedia Election Administration Legislation Tracker, "North Carolina S382," accessed December 19, 2024
    45. ↑ North Carolina General Assembly, "North Carolina Constitution - Article IV," accessed September 20, 2021 (Section 19)
    46. ↑ The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | School of Government, "History of North Carolina Judicial Elections," August 2020
    47. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: North Dakota," accessed August 16, 2021
    48. ↑ State of North Dakota, "Supreme Court," accessed September 8, 2022
    49. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Ohio," accessed September 1, 2021
    50. ↑ Oklahoma Public Research System, "Section VII-B-4: Vacancy in Judicial Office - Filling," accessed September 22, 2021
    51. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named OKgeneral
    52. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named OKSEL
    53. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ORgeneral
    54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Pennsylvania," archived October 3, 2014
    55. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SCgeneral
    56. ↑ Lexis Nexis, "Tennessee Code Annotated § 17-4-101," accessed April 25, 2024
    57. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TNgeneral
    58. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Tennessee," accessed August 5, 2016
    59. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TXgeneral
    60. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named UTgeneral
    61. ↑ Vermont General Assembly, "Judiciary Department - § 33. Interim judicial appointments," accessed April 18, 2023
    62. ↑ Commonwealth of Virginia Division of Legislative Services, Judicial Selection Overview, accessed April 16, 2025
    63. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection," accessed August 18, 2021
    64. ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Washington State Constitution," accessed April 16, 2025 (Scroll to Article IV, Section 3)
    65. ↑ National Center for State Courts, Methods of Judicial Selection: Washington," accessed April 16, 2025
    66. ↑ American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: West Virginia; Judicial Nominating Commissions," archived January 13, 2012
    67. ↑ Wisconsin State Legislature, "Wisconsin Constitution," accessed September 19, 2014 (Article VII, Section 4: pg.10)
    68. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named WINCSC
    69. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC
    70. ↑ American Bar Association, "Judicial Selection: The Process of Choosing Judges," accessed August 10, 2021
    v • e
    Judicial selection in state courts
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