The judiciary committees in both the
House of Delegates and state Senate began discussions Monday on bills that
would change the election of judges to nonpartisan elections.
The plan covers races from Supreme
Court justices to county magistrates, no longer would candidates have a “D”,
“R”, or some other political affiliation following their names.
The proposal also would make the final
election in the primary election, much like the current school board races
across the state. The elections would also be split by divisions, potentially
creating more one-on-one races.
The West Virginia Judicial Association,
made up of 70 circuit judges across the state, does not oppose the legislation.
“To me not to oppose, basically
something that effects judges this much, it’s almost the same as saying we
support it,” Association president Jackson County Circuit Judge Tom Evans told
members of the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday.
Senator Mike Woelfel (D-Cabell) said he
supports the intention of the bill “wholeheartedly” but he expressed concern
about the short election window.
“The thing is just going to be over
with like that. It’s going to be over in 110 days,” he said.
Both committees are expected to have
further discussions on the bills, which will include consideration of proposed
amendments.
