Georgia judges face little opposition in May elections

[In It to Win It]

AJC

No paywall: https://archive.ph/GHG01

Georgia Supreme Court justices (from left) Nels S.D. Peterson, Michael P. Boggs and Sarah Hawkins Warren listen to arguments during a hearing on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Peterson and Boggs are running for reelection unopposed in May. (Natrice Miller/AJC)


The vast majority of Georgia judges vying for election in May are doing so uncontested.

Only five of the 122 superior court judges on the ballot this year face challengers. For nearly 96% of incumbents, their bid to stay on the bench is a formality.

In Georgia’s appellate courts, just one judge has opposition. Justice Andrew Pinson, the youngest and newest jurist on the Georgia Supreme Court, is being challenged by former U.S. Rep. John Barrow.

The three other state Supreme Court justices and six Georgia Court of Appeals judges subject to election this year can forego the hassle of campaigning.

An overwhelming lack of opposition in judicial elections is the norm in Georgia, where judges are both appointed by the governor and elected by voters.

Atlanta litigators Eric Larson and Doug Hance say there are several factors at play. They include the nonpartisan nature of most judicial elections, the limited awareness or interest many voters have about how cases are decided, and the appointment process for judicial vacancies.

[Cattledog]

1. They put the election of judges on the primary ballot

This is final. There is no November election.

Crazy!

[jimfields33]

2. I guess potential opponents of the judges don't think they are that bad.

That has to be the only outcome. Everyone is satisfied with the makeup of the judiciary in Georgia. I’d say that is very rare.