March 10, 2006

American citizens have an opportunity and, may I suggest, an obligation to participate in our democracy. One way they can do so is by exercising their right to vote in the Illinois primary election. From now until March 21 citizens can cast their vote for a number of public offices, including candidates for judicial office.

The primary election is exceedingly important. Candidates who win will have their names placed on the ballot in the general election this November. Unfortunately, voter apathy can raise its ugly head, especially when it comes to voting for judges. Some voters may feel that it is not that important to vote for judges.

Judges make important decisions that affect our everyday lives. They rule on cases that protect innocent victims, and they can issue jail sentences to those who break the law. Their decisions affect children and families and workers and employers, impose checks and balances on the other branches of government, and protect our freedoms.

Judges must often make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions. Someone is bound to be dissatisfied with the outcome of a case. But judges are bound by the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct to follow the rule of law, decide a case in a fair and impartial manner and maintain the highest standards of judicial and personal conduct.

The code, a guide for sitting judges as well as judicial candidates, prohibits candidates from stating their position on issues that might come before them, and rightfully so. Among the qualities that citizens should consider when casting their vote is the judicial candidate's legal experience, legal skills, temperament, compassion, integrity, independence, fairness and freedom from bias. Bar associations across the state study and rate the candidates, and the results of their evaluations can be a useful guide.

We encourage our citizens to become informed and cast their vote in the March primary.

James M. Wexstten, president,
Illinois Judges Association