FAQ

Q: Why are judges elected in Cook County?

A: Illinois adopted popular elections for judges early in the last century as a reform measure to improve the quality of jurists. Now reformers argue that appointing judges through "merit selection" would produce the best results.

Q: Are all judges elected?

A: No. In Cook County approximately half the judges are elected. They are known as "Full Circuit" Judges. The other half are appointed by the "Full Circuit" Judges. The appointed Judges are known as "Associate" Judges.

Q: What is a judicial subcircuit?

A: About half of the elected judges run "Countywide". This means that these judges can live anywhere in Cook County and all voters in Cook County vote for the judge in that seat.

However, in the early 1990's reformers were concerned about the lack of diversity on the bench. In order to add diversity to the bench, Cook County was divided into 15 subcircuits. Each subcircuit is a defined geographic area where voters elect judges who live in that area. Once a judge is elected from a subcircuit, that judge may be assigned to any court in the county.

Abbey is running for a seat in the 9^th Subcircuit. Click here to find out if you live in the 9th Subcircuit.

Q: What is the long list of judges at the end of the ballot?

A: Once a judge is elected, he or she must run for "retention" every 6 years. The long list of judges' names at the end of your ballot is essentially the list of judges whose six-year terms are up. It is then up to the voters to determine whether these judges should remain judges for the next six years.

A "yes" vote would retain the judge. A "no" vote is to remove the judge from office. In order to remain in office, 60 percent of voters must vote "yes."

Q: Why is it important to vote for judges?

A: Judges make important decisions that affect you, your family and your community. Judges handle a wide range of cases relating to: family, education, health care, housing, employment, discrimination, civil rights, public safety, consumer protection, etc.

It is critical that judges who hear these cases have the qualifications and expertise to understand the issues in each case that comes before them. Abbey's legal experience and community leadership make her uniquely qualified to be a Cook County Judge.

We know judge races are not often talked about and judges' backgrounds are not widely known. But, we have the opportunity to elect the best possible person in Abbey Fishman Romanek as Cook County Judge for the 9^th Subcircuit. We would be thrilled if you considered volunteering, hosting a coffee, posting a yard sign or telling a friend about Abbey's campaign!

Q: How is a judicial race different from other political races?

A: As in other races, candidates for Judge must win a party primary and then a general election to win the seat. But there are some important rules governing judicial races that make them different.

For example, judicial candidates cannot take positions on political issues in their campaigns. This is because judges are required to be free from political influence in order to make fair decisions, based solely on the unique facts of each case.

Also, judicial candidates cannot personally ask for contributions to their campaigns. This rule is also in place to remove undue influence over the outcome of a case.

However, judicial races do require funds. As a result, judges have committees, such as Advocates for Abbey, that manage fundraising, among other duties, on behalf of the candidate.

Q: How is the judicial system in Cook County organized?

A: There are three levels of courts in Cook County.

The Circuit Court is what you are probably most familiar with and is where the majority of cases in Cook County are handled. Over four million civil and criminal cases are filed each year, ranging from matters pertaining to the family, business cases, municipal cases, personal injury, etc. Testimony is considered, witnesses are heard and juries are convened in Circuit Court. Abbey is running for Circuit Court Judge.

The Appellate Court reviews cases to determine if the law was applied correctly at the Circuit Court level.

The Illinois Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. It is the final authority on interpreting the state's laws and constitution.