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Judicial Candidates

LWVMN does not invite judicial candidates to participate in the Vote411 Voter’s Guide due to the number of candidates across the state and associated administrative costs. This combined with the fact that most judicial candidates want to keep a low profile make this a practical decision. Information about judicial candidates is harder to find than it is for candidates of other offices. However, there are a few things voters can do to learn more about candidates and make their voices heard.

• Interested citizens (lawyers and non-lawyers) are encouraged to join the nonpartisan MN Judicial Selection Commission when there are vacancies. This commission reviews judicial applications and makes recommendations to the Governor.

• Sign up for news releases from the Judicial Selection Commission to learn about candidates and to weigh in during the public comment period.

• Do your research. Most judicial candidates want to keep a low profile. Sitting judges’ biographies can be found on the MN Judicial Branch website. To see if a judge has been reprimanded, check MN Board on Judicial Standards.

• For new candidates (not appointed) running for election, research where they worked before, look at their social media profiles (if they have them) and search local papers for stories related to cases the candidate worked on or other related information pertaining to the candidate in order to determine if the candidate possesses the right attributes and professional experience to be a judge.

• In the rare case that an election is contested, voters can usually find statements from candidates in MN Lawyer or MN Bar Association (available only during elections).

• To learn more about the structure, functions, personnel and finances for the judicial branch of state government in MN read: The Minnesota Judiciary: A Guide for Legislators.

• LWVMN has a handy one-page reference on this issue - read it here.

LWV Golden Valley and MN State Bar Association co-sponsored a forum for several contested state judicial races; you can see that forum here.

How to Support VOTE411

Help ensure that all Minnesotans have access to critical voter information. Every contribution, big or small, helps us empower voters and defend democracy. Give voters the confidence they need to cast their vote. Support Vote411 by becoming a sponsor today!

Your contribution can make a real difference:

• $100: Provides VOTE411 assistance to candidates and voters.

• $500: Helps us reach rural communities without local news.

• $1,000+: Earns your logo on our website and VOTE411 homepage (optional) and a webinar for your employees or group about all things election related (optional).

Prefer mail? Send a check to 75 W 5th Street, Suite 315, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Pledge now, pay later: Pledge online today, and we'll invoice you in June when the guide launches.

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