A judge has said he would try to expedite a ruling on a lawsuit challenging how state appellate judges are elected.
Court of Appeals judges are appointed by the governor, then retained by voters in certain counties.
In a hearing Monday, an attorney for the Goldwater Institute argued that because Appeals Court rulings apply statewide, some voters are disenfranchised.
Assistant Attorney General Emma Mark argued on behalf of the state.
"Judges don't represent people. They serve people. Thus, the rationale behind one-person, one vote is not relevant to the makeup of the judiciary and does not apply," Mark said.
The judge hearing the case in Maricopa County Superior Court said he was leaning toward tossing the challenge. The ruling could decide who ends up on the November ballot.
