90 state judges face a retention vote on this year’s ballot. Voters will be given a simple “yes” or “no” choice on the question of keeping the judges that preside in their judicial district.
Every judge in the Beehive State faces a mandatory retention election after an initial three-year term. If chosen to stay on, judges are able to serve full terms of office that vary depending on the specific court they work with.
In 1985, Utah law was changed so that judges were appointed by the governor after being nominated by a commission. The state Senate then confirms the governor’s choice.
To help voters decide whether to retain the judges in their court districts, the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission releases short reports on every judge. Candidates for retention are evaluated using a variety of considerations, including the strength of their legal reasoning. The commission then gives its recommendation whether to retain a judge or not.
Only one judge, Su Chon of the 3rd District, has not been recommended for retention.