This Vote’s in Your Court page is a resource for voters regarding judges and judicial elections. It includes the “Guide for Florida Voters,” an easy-to-read, nonpartisan brochure about the courts, the role of judges and the merit retention process. This page also includes biographies of the jurists in merit retention elections in November and results of The Florida Bar’s merit retention poll of in-state members. It also links to statements submitted by trial court judicial candidates, and includes additional voter resources as well. For copies of the “Guide for Florida Voters,” email [email protected].
| On This Page
Merit retention poll |
Important Election Dates for 2018
|
  |
2018 election results
ALAN LAWSON WINS RETENTION ON THE SUPREME COURT (Florida Politics)
Florida Bar merit retention poll
The statewide merit retention judicial poll for Florida Supreme Court justices and District Courts of Appeal judges is conducted every two years by The Florida Bar. In-state members are asked to rate judges and justices who are up for retention and of whom they have direct knowledge. The merit retention poll is supervised by the Constitutional Judiciary Committee of The Florida Bar.
FLORIDA BAR POLL SHOWS SUPPORT FOR APPELLATE JUDGES IN MERIT RETENTION ELECTIONS
2018 merit retention poll results
Merit retention poll results from 1978-2018
Voter Guide
Florida law requires Florida Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges to be placed on the ballot in nonpartisan elections every six years, so voters can determine whether the judges or justices should remain on their courts for another six-year term.These are called ‘merit retention’ elections. In 2018, one Supreme Court justice and 17 of the state’s appeals court judges will appear on the ballot.
The 2018 Guide for Florida Voters answers questions such as:
- What is the difference between a county and circuit court judge and an appellate judge?
- Why is it important to vote in judicial elections and merit retention elections?
- What exactly does a judge do?
Download the 2018 Guide for Florida Voters here.
Download the Spanish 2018 Guide for Florida Voters here.
Voter Resources
- Judicial Candidate Voluntary Self-Disclosure Statements: The statements, offered every two years by The Florida Bar’s Constitutional Judiciary Committee, give county and circuit judicial candidates the opportunity to share information about their history, credentials and other relevant information with voters.
- The Florida Division of Elections has information about candidates, election laws and more.
- Sources of authority and guidance regarding political activity by judges and judicial campaigns. This page includes links to many of the laws, rules and opinions governing candidates running for judicial office.
- Canon 7 of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct
- Frequently Asked Questions on Merit Retention
- Details about the merit retention poll and results from past years
- Florida Supreme Court page on merit retention
- The American Bar Association’s “Florida Votes” page.
- Get the latest news on Facebook and Twitter
- Visit Protect Florida Democracy for information about constitutional amendments.
MERIT RETENTION BIOGRAPHIES
Every two years, The Florida Bar provides information on the judges and justices facing merit retention. These include biographies as well as links to the official websites of the judges/justices.
Florida Supreme Court and Appellate Courts decisions
Learn more about the opinions handed down by the Florida Supreme Court and the state’s five appellate courts: